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Title: Requests the Central Government to take steps to stop the Karnataka Government from undertaking any further construction of Almatti Dam beyond the approved height of 512.2 metres.
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU (SRIKAKULAM): Mr. Chairman, Sir, I am raising the most important issue regarding the construction of Almatti dam. It is pertaining to lakhs of farmers. The Central Water Commission and the Minister of Water Resources have given the permission to construct the dam at 512.2 metres height. Even the Karnataka Government had given a solemn assurance to the hon. Supreme Court of India that the State of Karnataka would not proceed with the erection of crest gates at Almatti dam till October, 1998. This was the assurance given on an affidavit filed before the hon. Supreme Court. But now, they plan to construct this at 524.25 metres height which is beyond the permitted level.
Considering the disastrous effects of higher storage at Almatti dam on the economy of Andhra Pradesh and the fact that the Government of India had to give their clearance to the construction of the dam at 524.25 metres height, it is requested that the Union Government should take immediate steps to stop the Karnataka Government from undertaking any further construction of Almatti dam beyond the approved height of 512.2 metres. It should be as per the approval given by the Central Water Commission, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the affidavit filed by the Karnataka Government before the hon. Supreme Court.
DR. RAVI MALLU : Mr. Chairman, Sir, our party is also taking it up. In this regard, we have submitted a memorandum to the hon Prime Minister yesterday.