Tribunal rejects AP plea to resurvey Almatti height

Krishna Water Tribunal chairman Justice Brijesh Kumar on Wednesday made it clear that a resurvey of Almatti Dam height would not be possible at this stage. 

Delivering his 28-page verdict here, the Tribunal chairman asked the three riparaian states to discuss among themselves to resolve the water sharing issues.

Andhra Pradesh argued before the tribunal that the Almatti Dam height should have been 519.6 metres. But, the actual height is beyond 520 metres. The height would be advantageous for Karnataka to utilize an additional 11 tmc of water at the cost of the Andhra Pradesh interests. 

 However, the chairman rejected the state government’s contention and appeal for resurvey.

 Major Irrigation Minister Ponnala Laxmaiah who is reviewing the implications of the verdict said the Government would take up the case with the apex court. ''We are confident that the highest court will give the verdict in favour of Andhra Pradesh.''