Almatti Dam:
To set the stage for the implementation of the languishing Upper Krishna Project (UKP) phase III, the Karnataka Cabinet recently gave clearance for the acquisition of 1,33,867 lakh acres of land to facilitate the increase of Almatti dam’s height from the present 519.16 metres to 524.256 metres.
- Almatti Dam is a hydroelectric project on the Krishna River in North Karnataka.
- The dam was completed in July 2005.
- It was built with the primary objectives of supplying irrigation and potable water to adjacent regions, generating hydroelectric energy, and managing flood risks in the area.
- The annual electric output of the dam is 713,000,000 kilowatts (KW).
- The dam holds a gross water storage capacity of 123.08 TMC at 519 meters MSL.
- Standing at a height of 52.5 meters and extending 3.5 kilometers in length, Almatti Dam serves as the principal reservoir of the Upper Krishna Irrigation Project; the 290 MW power station is located on the right side of the Almatti Dam.
- The facility uses vertical Kaplan turbines: five 55 MW generators and one 15 MW generator.
- Two separate facilities, namely, Almatti 1 Powerhouse and Almatti II Powerhouse, each separated by distance, do provide power generation capabilities.
- After generating power, water is released into the Narayanpur reservoir to meet the irrigation requirements downstream.
- 77 acres surrounding Almatti Dam have been developed into meticulously maintained gardens, including the Japanese Garden, Rock Garden, Mughal Garden, Gopal Krishna Garden, and Lavakush Garden.
