The Karnataka government has officially issued a crucial notification for the acquisition of lands required to implement the long-awaited Upper Krishna Project (UKP) Phase III. This marks a significant step forward, with the land acquisition process expected to commence imminently.
This ambitious undertaking necessitates the acquisition of a staggering 1,33,867 acres. The land will be used primarily for two key purposes: increasing the height of the Almatti dam from 519.60 meters to 524.256 meters, which will result in some land submergence, and for the construction of an extensive network of canals.
Massive Investment Over Four Years
The project represents a monumental investment, with an estimated ₹75,000 crore earmarked for its comprehensive implementation over the next four years. This colossal budget covers not only land acquisition but also vital reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. The Water Resources Department is set to receive an annual allocation of ₹18,000 crore to ensure steady progress.
Specifically, the notification outlines that 75,563 acres are designated for the submergence caused by the dam’s increased height. Additionally, 6,467 acres will be acquired for the rehabilitation of 20 villages and parts of Bagalkot town, while 51,837 acres are allocated for the crucial canal systems.
Upon its successful completion, the UKP Phase-III is projected to transform agriculture in North Karnataka, providing irrigation to an impressive 5.94 lakh hectares of land across seven districts: Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Koppal, and Gadag.
Streamlined Clearance and Compensation
A special Cabinet meeting held on September 16, 2025, provided the definitive clearance for this large-scale land acquisition. The government has opted for an expedited approach, facilitating acquisition through “consent award or direct purchase” directly from the farmers.
The compensation package is substantial, with an approximate total of ₹70,000 crore to be disbursed over three financial years, commencing from the current year. Farmers whose lands face submergence due to the dam’s height increase will receive ₹40 lakh per acre for wet land and ₹30 lakh per acre for dry land. Similarly, those whose lands are acquired for canal construction will be compensated with ₹30 lakh per acre for wet land and ₹25 lakh per acre for dry land.
Accelerating Implementation
To further accelerate the project, the entire land acquisition will prioritize consent-based agreements and direct purchases. Furthermore, legal strategies will be deployed to move any pending land acquisition cases from various courts into a mediation process, aiming for swift and amicable resolutions.
Expressing gratitude, Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur, who hails from the Bagalkot district, extended his thanks to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for their keen interest and commitment to bringing this vital project to fruition.