Fri Aug 01 13:37:18 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, with an Indian perspective:
**Karnataka Dismisses Maharashtra’s Concerns Over Almatti Dam Height Increase**
**Vijayapura, August 1, 2025** – Karnataka Minister M.B. Patil has refuted Maharashtra’s objections to the state’s plan to raise the height of the Almatti dam. Maharashtra claims the increased height, from 519 meters to 524 meters, would cause flooding in Sangli and Kolhapur districts, but Patil dismissed these concerns as scientifically baseless.
“The allegations made by Maharashtra Ministers lack any credible foundation,” Patil stated in Vijayapura on Friday. “Historical records clearly demonstrate that the areas in question were prone to flooding long before the Almatti dam was even constructed.”
Patil emphasized that similar arguments brought forth by Maharashtra in the past before the Krishna river water disputes tribunal and the Supreme Court were rejected. This indicates the historical use of the river has never been detrimental to Maharashtra.
The Minister firmly asserted that Karnataka would vigorously defend its water rights. “Karnataka will always fight for its rights to the river water and will clearly establish its position at appropriate stages,” he said, signaling a potential legal battle between the two states. The issue of water sharing between states remains a sensitive topic in India, particularly during periods of drought or water scarcity.
The Almatti Dam is a crucial infrastructure project for Karnataka, providing irrigation and power generation. The proposed height increase is aimed at further enhancing its capacity and benefits to the state. However, this ambition is met with Maharashtra’s well-documented concern that the increase in water level could lead to flooding in its territories, disrupting daily life and causing severe damage.
First Piper 