While two Telugu states are locked in disputes over the sharing of Krishna waters, now both the states are seems to be on the verge of reviving water wars with the neighbouring Karnataka state.
The unilateral decision of the Karnataka state government to increase the height of the Almatti dam from 519.60 metres to 524.256 and construct four lift irrigation projects as part of the stage-3 of Upper Krishna River Project, has been creating shivers for both the Telugu states.
Karnataka’s this move makes lower riparian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to left with very little water. The Telugu governments are worrying that it would have prospect of reduced inflow of river Krishna, the lifeline of farmers in the State, and which slakes the thirst of several districts.
The Andhra Pradesh government has already taken a serious view of the same and making moves to lodge a complaint with the Union Water Resources Ministry. However, Telangana, which too stands to be affected, has decided to approach the Centre against Karnataka’s move.
AP Water Resources Minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao deplored Karnataka’s action and said that it was not proper on the part of the Karnataka government to go ahead with four more lift irrigation projects at this juncture when the issue of river water sharing was still pending before the Supreme Court. “We will lodge a complaint with Union Minister of Water Resources and ensure that no injustice is done to the State,” he said.
Irrigation experts are cautioning that if the height of the dam is increased and lifts constructed over the river, both Telugu states have to fight for water to meet their drinking water needs.
Such fears were expressed by many that a situation like this would arise when the proposal to increase the height of Almatti was first made. The issue was even explained to the Srikrishna Committee before bifurcation of the State, and it was asked to resolve inter-state river disputes first. But with inaction of successive governments, worst fears are now coming true.
