In a significant move aimed at addressing the state’s water scarcity issues, DK Shivakumar, a key figure in the Karnataka government, has urged the Centre to allow an increase in the height of the Almatti dam.
The decision comes as part of the Karnataka Cabinet’s broader strategy to tackle the state’s water woes. On September 16, 2025, the cabinet decided to initiate a large-scale land acquisition project spanning approximately 1.33 lakh acres.
In what could be an unprecedented investment, the state government has earmarked a staggering Rs 70,000 crore for this three-phase land acquisition effort. The exact purpose of this extensive land acquisition is yet to be fully disclosed, but it is understood that it forms part of the strategy to expand and modernize infrastructure, including the Almatti dam.
The proposal to increase the height of the Almatti dam is expected to undergo further discussions between the Karnataka government and the Centre. The potential benefits of such a move would include increased water storage capacity and improved water management across the region. However, the potential impacts on the surrounding environment and other affected parties have yet to be fully assessed.
As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see how this proposal progresses, and what implications it may have for Karnataka’s water infrastructure in the future.
