Mhadei River Dispute-Goa is considering approaching the Supreme Court on the Mhadei river water dispute against Karnataka’s Kalasa-Banduri project.
1. Kalasa-Banduri Project (Karnataka)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | Divert 7.56 TMC water from Mhadei tributaries (Kalasa & Banduri) to Malaprabha River. |
| Purpose | Irrigation in Dharwad/Belagavi districts; drinking water for Hubballi-Dharwad. |
| Current Status | Karnataka seeks to resume work (halted by SC in 2023). |
2. Goa's Objections
- Ecological Threat:
- Mhadei is Goa’s lifeline (supplies 43% of state’s water).
- Diversion would increase salinity in the Zuari estuary, affecting agriculture/aquaculture.
- Endangers Western Ghats biodiversity (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Legal Action: Approaching SC to enforce Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) award (2018).
3. Key Facts about Mhadei River
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Jamboti Ghat, Karnataka (Western Ghats). |
| Basin States | Karnataka (upper riparian), Goa (lower riparian), Maharashtra. |
| Outlet | Arabian Sea (Goa). Known as Mandovi in Goa. |
| Tributaries | Kalasa, Banduri, Surla, Haltar (Karnataka); Valpoi (Goa). |
Dispute Timeline & Legal Status
- 2002: Karnataka proposes Kalasa-Banduri project.
- 2006: Goa moves SC under Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
- 2010: Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) constituted.
- 2018: Tribunal allocates:
- Karnataka: 13.42 TMC (includes 3.9 TMC for Kalasa-Banduri).
- Goa: 24 TMC.
- Maharashtra: 1.33 TMC.
- 2023: SC stays Karnataka’s work pending environmental clearance.
Ecological & Strategic Concerns
- Goa’s Arguments:
- Diversion violates "no harm" principle under international water law.
- Threatens endangered species (e.g., Black Panther, Bengal Tiger) in Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Karnataka’s Stand: Legitimate claim as upper riparian state; project serves drought-prone regions.