Karnataka Prepares to Push for Krishna Tribunal Award Notification at May 7 Meeting
The state finalizes its stance to demand the central government gazette the 2013 KWDT-II award and approve raising the Almatti dam height.
Overview
- Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil has scheduled a May 7 meeting with water ministers from Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana to discuss the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II award.
- Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has emphasized the need for a gazette notification to utilize the 173 TMC of water allocated to the state under the 2013 tribunal award.
- The state plans to demand approval for raising the Almatti dam height from 519 meters to 524 meters to store and utilize its full water allocation.
- Despite 15 years of delays, Karnataka's UKP-III canals remain unused, with escalating costs and wasted water resources.
- Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced plans for an all-party meeting after May 7 to strategize further actions if the central government fails to act.