Farmers oppose State govt. decision not to release Almatti waters for irrigation

The Karnataka state government announced that water from the Almatti reservoir would not be released for irrigation this season, citing low reservoir levels and competing demands from other sectors. Farmers in the drought‑prone districts of Vijayapura and Bagalkot, who rely heavily on the reservoir for their crops, responded with a statement that they would launch protests if the water is not made available. They argue that the lack of irrigation water threatens the sowing of rabi crops such as wheat and pulses, which could lead to a sharp decline in farm income.

Agricultural experts explain that the Almatti reservoir, part of the Krishna River basin, is a critical source of water for millions of acres of farmland across northern Karnataka. Historically, the reservoir has been used to balance water needs between irrigation, drinking supply and hydroelectric generation. The current shortfall is attributed to lower monsoon rainfall and higher upstream usage, which has reduced the volume of water that can be safely allocated for farming. The farmers' association has called for a transparent water‑allocation plan and for the government to prioritize agricultural needs during the upcoming planting season.

The dispute has broader implications for water management policies in the state, especially as climate variability makes water supplies less predictable. Policy analysts suggest that the government may need to adopt more flexible allocation mechanisms and invest in water‑saving technologies to reduce dependence on a single reservoir. For residents of Karnataka, the outcome will affect food prices and rural livelihoods. The next development is likely to be a meeting between farmer leaders and state officials to negotiate a compromise.