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Karnataka seeks 4 tmcft drinking water from Maharashtra
The Karnataka government asked Maharashtra to release four tmcft of water—two from Krishna reservoirs and two from Bhima reservoirs—to ensure drinking water for northern Karnataka. The request follows concerns over low reservoir levels and gate leakage at Hippargi barrage, with ongoing discussions on a wider water swapping arrangement and related pipeline costs.
Why It Matters
Interstate water sharing between Karnataka and Maharashtra directly affects drinking water supply for northern Karnataka and highlights the push for a possible water swap, which could shape bilateral cooperation and regional water security.
Timeline
7 Events
PWD minister supports water swap; calls for talks with Maharashtra
May 11, 2026
PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi indicated support for a water swap and said he would request the Chief Minister to initiate talks for a lasting solution.
Kannada organisations welcome water swapping in principle; call for talks
May 11, 2026
Ashok Chandaragi, convenor of the central committee of Kannada organisations, welcomed water swapping and urged talks between the two states to resolve the stalemate and strengthen relations.
Maharashtra's demand on Tubachi Babaleshwar scheme for Jath taluk pipeline
May 11, 2026
Maharashtra reportedly wants Karnataka to bear the cost of laying pipelines for the Tubachi Babaleshwar lift irrigation scheme to Jath taluk in southeast Maharashtra; engineers estimate the pipeline cost at about ₹500 crore.
Belagavi Deputy Commissioner hopeful of water release
May 11, 2026
Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan said he was hopeful that Maharashtra would release water soon.
Minister indicates plan to seek additional water from Maharashtra
May 11, 2026
Irrigation Minister said Karnataka plans to seek additional water from Maharashtra to bolster drinking water supply.
Karnataka CM writes to Maharashtra seeking four tmcft of water release (two from Krishna, two from Bhima)
April 22, 2026
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sent a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis requesting release of two tmcft of water from Krishna river reservoirs and two tmcft from the Bhima river to ensure drinking water supply in northern Karnataka. The letter was dated April 22, 2026.
Hippargi dam storage noted to be much lower in 2026 than 2025 due to gate leakage and delayed rainfall
2025
Reservoir levels in Hippargi dam were around 1.76 tmcft in 2025, but by 2026 they were around 0.31 tmcft, with leakage from Hippargi barrage gates of about 1.5 tmcft cited as a factor; rainfall delays in catchment areas also contributed.