Share of Krishna water up but dam triggers flood fears

In a welcome news for the state, the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II) has enhanced its share of Krishna water from 585 TMC to 666 TMC. However, its decision to allow Karnataka to increase the height of the Alamatti dam has led to some consternation.

Expressing disappointment over the tribunal’s decision on the Alamatti dam, chief minister Prithviraj Chavan said it could lead to floods in some districts. The state had demanded that the height of the dam should not exceed 519.6m. The tribunal has allowed it to be raised to 524.25m. It could lead to flooding in Sangli, Satara and Kolhapur districts.

Chavan demanded a joint management committee, instead of a monitoring committee, to manage the release of water on a step by step basis. He also said the state needed some more time to study the verdict before it decides on the future course of action.

The tribunal has asked it to respond to the verdict in three months.
“We are satisfied with the verdict, although we would have been happier to get more water,” said state water resources minister Ramraje Nimbalkar. The relief stems from the fact that the tribunal rejected the claims and arguments made by other riparian states, notably Andhra Pradesh, regarding water utilisation by Maharashtra.

“Basically, the framework of KWDT-I has been retained by KWDT-II,” added Nimbalkar. The tribunal has awarded Andhra Pradesh the biggest share of Krishna river water, followed by Karnataka and Maharashtra. Nimbalkar did not agree that the state has got the smallest share. The tribunal allows the state to use additional 25 TMC of water from Krishna valley for generation of power.