Karnataka’s various Kannada associations have implored the state government to hasten its plans for a water swap pact with neighboring Maharashtra as a solution to their mutual and persistent water shortages.
A file photo of Tikondi Talav, the pond to which Karnataka released water from the Tubachi-Babaleshwar lift irrigation scheme, in Jat Taluka in Sangli district of Maharashtra.
It proposes a state-to-state exchange of water rather than buying it from another State’s dam or reservoir.
Water sharing system between Karnataka and Maharashtra
Currently, during summer months, four tmcft of water is supplied to Karnataka on an average from dams located in Maharashtra. This is use for domestic purposes. In respect of this non-monsoon season water, Karnataka Irrigation Department pays money to Maharashtra.
Maharashtra has said that if Karnataka would release an equivalent amount of water into drier districts in south-eastern parts of the State there will be no need for payment.
The proposal was accept by the Government of Karnataka in principle; but irrigation experts have raised some practical issues. Which seem to make it difficult for execution.
They are arguing that the Tubachi-Babaleshwar lift irrigation scheme should be connect by canal systems from Vijayapura District in Karnataka up to places like Jatt taluk in Maharashtra. It may cost up to ₹500 crore. They propose either that Maharashtra should build it or pay Karnatakans.
Alternatively, it was suggested that a mini-reservoir could be built by Maharashtramight serve as storage for emergency release.
This is because officials say Tubachi-Babaleshwar was meant just six tmcft and not four times this size..
Built at a cost of ₹3,700 crore, Tubachi-Babaleshwar lift irrigation scheme became operational in 2018.
Ashok Chandaragi, convener of Kannada organisations who is among the signatories to the letter, said. “Maharashtra is neither willing to pay for the project nor take up construction. This has resulted in a stalemate. Maharashtra should come forward to pay for construction of canals and, if need be, a mini-reservoir.”
The two states’ officers have held two meetings on the subject. The Chief Ministers of both States also discussed on this issue during a meeting they had called by Union Home Minister Amit Shah but nothing tangible has bee achieved so far.
Letter to CM
Kannada organisations have written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urging him to engage the Maharashtra government and finalise the water swap treaty.
According to them: “Droughts are follow by floods in many parts of northern Karnataka. To a great extent. It is possible to prevent damage from emergencies caused by these events with wise use of reservoirs. Therefore, Karnataka and Maharashtra must come together immediately and sign an agreement. It will address their respective water shortages as well as save money for Karnataka.”
Several governments in Maharashtra earlier alleged that flooding was cause in Maharashtra by backwater release through Almatti dam while retaining water in it. Those from Karnataka disagree with this idea at all.
From the letter: “By the way, a water exchange agreement would bring these accusations to an end. A few of the Chief Ministers and Irrigation Ministers from Maharashtra close. The gate of Rajapur barrage besides other dams fearing they will be emptie during droughts. The current year too witnessed a stoppage order by Chief Minister Eknath Sindhe on water release at Rajapur. The water swap treaty, on the other hand, becomes a non-negotiable principle that both states must adhere to.”
