Girish Mahajan Warns Karnataka Against Raising Almatti Dam Height; Links It to Sangli-Kolhapur Floods

Kolhapur: Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan has strongly opposed any move to increase the height of the Almatti Dam, stating that the reservoir’s water storage is one of the reasons behind the severe floods in Sangli and Kolhapur districts.

Speaking to the media in Kolhapur, Mahajan said the Maharashtra government is firmly against raising the dam’s height. He also clarified that the Central Government has not granted permission for the increase.“The Almatti Dam causes massive flooding in Sangli and Kolhapur. Therefore, the Maharashtra government is completely opposed to any increase in its height. The Centre has also not approved it. If the Karnataka government tries to take any unilateral decision in this matter, the Chief Minister will take appropriate action,” Mahajan warned.

On CJP Protest and Congress

Commenting on the ongoing protests by the CJP and the Congress party’s stand, Mahajan said:

“The core demand and agitation by the Delhi students is justified. However, some political elements and anti-social elements infiltrated the protest and indulged in untoward incidents. The police are investigating these cases. The government will definitely consider the genuine students who participated only to voice their concerns.

”He further added, “There is no need for an astrologer to tell how much support the BJP and Narendra Modi enjoy among the people. The Congress has lost its mass base.

”On Kangana Ranaut’s Remarks

Regarding MP Kangana Ranaut’s statements, Mahajan said:
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself intervened in the student protest issue. MLAs and MPs should maintain decorum. The government is making efforts to make the examination system more transparent.”