Karnataka Will Not Allow Maharashtra’s Water Diversion Plan to Affect Almatti Project: M B Patil

Vijayapura: Karnataka will not compromise on its water rights over Maharashtra’s proposed Krishna-Bhima river water diversion project, state minister M B Patil said on Sunday, warning that any attempt to jeopardise the Almatti project would not be tolerated.

Addressing a press conference, Patil said Maharashtra Chief Minister had proposed diverting 40 TMC of Krishna river floodwater near Mahabaleshwar to the Ujjani reservoir on the Bhima river. The proposed Rs 19,000-crore project has received Rs 24 crore for preparing a detailed project report (DPR). A survey along an 84-km route is planned, with the report expected by the end of 2026.

Citing the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II award, Patil said Maharashtra was allocated 81 TMC, Karnataka 173 TMC and undivided Andhra Pradesh 194 TMC from an additional 448 TMC of water. He said the tribunal had earlier rejected Maharashtra’s proposal to divert 35 TMC.

Patil questioned the legal basis for the new proposal, noting that the tribunal award had not been notified in the Gazette. He also sought clarity on the Centre’s approval and World Bank assistance.

He pointed out that the Centre was returning Karnataka’s Upper Almatti project Phase-3 DPR on similar grounds and said the same criteria should apply to Maharashtra’s proposal.

The diversion could affect inflows into the Almatti reservoir and water availability for downstream states, he said, adding that Karnataka would take up the issue with the Maharashtra and Union governments to safeguard its water rights and farmers’ interests.