Karnataka: Siltation reduces Almatti dam’s storage capacity by 7.55 tmcft, study finds
Bagalkot: A study conducted by the Karnataka Engineering Research Station (KERS) in 2023 has raised concerns over the notable loss of storage capacity at the Almatti Reservoir, which serves as a significant water source for the undivided Vijayapura and Kalyana Karnataka districts.
According to KERS, the Almatti dam has accumulated 7.556 tmcft of silt bringing down the water holding capacity of the reservoir to 115.552 tmcft as against its maximum storage of 123.081 tmcft, as reported by Deccan Herald on Monday.
The KERS, in a report to the state government, has claimed that the water holding capacity of Almatti dam has gone down by 6.1 percent since its commissioning over two decades ago.
K.G. Mahesh, the Director of KERS, explained that the study was carried out over three months, covering 487 square kilometers of the backwaters of the Almatti reservoir to the Hippargi barrage. The research team employed an echo sound system fitted on a boat, which used sound waves to measure the extent of silt deposition at the reservoir’s bottom. “Based on the echo, the quantum of silt deposition can be measured using software uploaded in the machine. The data extracted by the machine was analysed and a report on the same was submitted to the government,” DH quoted him as saying.
Despite the reduced storage capacity, officials from Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam Limited (KBJNL) have reportedly assured that the drop in water holding capacity will not lead to a water shortage for irrigation or power generation.
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Vijay unable to prove majority, not invited for CM oath ceremony: Sources
Chennai: Actor-politician Vijay has reportedly not been invited to take oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after failing to demonstrate support from the required number of MLAs, sources in Raj Bhavan said.
According to media reports that quoted sources in the office of R.N. Ravi Arlekar, Vijay could not prove the backing of 118 legislators, the majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Despite last-minute efforts to secure support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazagam (AMMK), and an IUML legislator, Vijay reportedly managed support from only 116 MLAs, falling short by two members.
Sources said Vijay failed to submit letters of support from the VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
Later, the IUML issued a statement clarifying that it was not part of the TVK-led alliance.
Meanwhile, AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran is also said to have informed the Governor that his party would support the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) instead.
Earlier in the evening, Vijay had met Governor Arlekar and staked claim to form the government, stating that he enjoyed the support of 118 MLAs.
