Maharashtra Chief Minister has strongly urged the Central Government not to approve the proposed increase in the height of the Almatti Dam. He expressed serious concerns that such a move would worsen flooding in western Maharashtra, particularly in the Sangli and Kolhapur districts, which already face severe inundation during heavy monsoons.
Flood Threat in Border Districts
In his letter to the Centre, the Chief Minister highlighted that Sangli and Kolhapur, both bordering Karnataka, are extremely vulnerable to rising water levels. Past experiences show that whenever rainfall intensifies in the region, these districts witness widespread flooding, causing heavy damage to farmlands, homes, and infrastructure.
Appeal for Centre’s Intervention
The CM warned that increasing the Almatti Dam height would further intensify the crisis. He urged the Union Government to consider the safety and livelihood of thousands of residents in flood-prone areas before taking any decision.
Past Flood Experiences
Western Maharashtra has repeatedly suffered devastating floods in recent years. The Chief Minister pointed out that unchecked water levels and dam management have played a critical role in aggravating these situations. Any move to expand the Almatti reservoir’s capacity, he stressed, would directly impact the already vulnerable border districts.
Call for Balanced Water Management
The Maharashtra Government is seeking a balanced water management policy that ensures adequate irrigation for Karnataka while safeguarding Maharashtra’s flood-affected regions. “Development must not come at the cost of human lives and livelihoods,” the CM emphasized.
