Krishna water crisis looms over Telangana as Karnataka approves move to raise Almatti Dam heightKarnataka’s decision to raise the Almatti Dam height threatens irrigation projects across Telangana, risking severe water shortage in 27.4 lakh acres of farmland. Karnataka claims the height increase aligns with the 2013 Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II) award and utilises “excess water flowing into the sea”. The issue remains sub-judice, complicating Karnataka’s plans to acquire 1.33 lakh acres of land at a cost of Rs 70,000 crore, submerging 20 villages. The Nettempadu project irrigating 2.5 lakh acres and Palamuru-Rangareddy (5 lakh acres) rely on lift irrigation for drought-prone areas, while Kalwakurthy (3.5 lakh acres) and Srisailam Left Bank Canal (5 lakh acres) support flood canals and major networks. The Dindi (1.5 lakh acres) and Rajolibanda (2 lakh acres) projects, the latter a joint venture with Andhra Pradesh, are also at risk.