India’s Interstate Water Dispute: Centre to Investigate Almatti Dam and Hippargi Barrage Projects

The long-standing water dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka has taken a new turn with the Centre deciding to investigate the Almatti Dam and Hippargi Barrage projects. The decision comes after Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting an investigation into the projects. The Almatti Dam, located on the Krishna River, has been a point of contention between the two states for decades. Karnataka has been accused of violating the award of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal by constructing the Almatti Dam and Hippargi Barrage. The tribunal had allocated 734 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water to Maharashtra, but the state claims that Karnataka has been using more water than its allocated share. The investigation will look into the allegations of irregularities in the construction of the dam and barrage. The Centre has assured Maharashtra that it will take all necessary steps to ensure that the state’s rights are protected. The water dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka has been ongoing for over four decades, with both states claiming their rights over the Krishna River. The dispute has led to tensions between the two states, with farmers and politicians from both sides protesting and demanding justice. The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal was set up in 1968 to resolve the dispute, but its award has been contested by both states. The tribunal’s award allocated 765 tmcft of water to Karnataka, 560 tmcft to Maharashtra, and 299 tmcft to Andhra Pradesh. However, Maharashtra claims that Karnataka has been using more water than its allocated share, while Karnataka argues that it has not violated the tribunal’s award. The dispute has also led to a shortage of water for irrigation and drinking purposes in both states. The investigation into the Almatti Dam and Hippargi Barrage projects is expected to provide some relief to the people of Maharashtra. The Centre’s decision to probe the projects has been welcomed by the Maharashtra government, which has been demanding an investigation for years. The Karnataka government, on the other hand, has maintained that it has not violated any rules or regulations. The investigation will be conducted by a team of experts from the Centre, who will look into the allegations of irregularities in the construction of the dam and barrage. The team will also examine the data and records related to the water usage by Karnataka. The investigation is expected to take several months to complete, and its findings will be submitted to the Centre. The Centre will then take necessary steps to ensure that the rights of both states are protected. The water dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka is a complex issue that requires a long-term solution. The investigation into the Almatti Dam and Hippargi Barrage projects is a step in the right direction, but it is only a temporary solution. The Centre needs to take a more proactive approach to resolve the dispute and ensure that the rights of both states are protected. The dispute has also highlighted the need for a more effective mechanism to manage the country’s water resources. The government needs to take steps to ensure that the water resources are used efficiently and effectively, and that the rights of all states are protected. The investigation into the Almatti Dam and Hippargi Barrage projects is a positive step, but it is only the beginning of a long process to resolve the water dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka.

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