Source: HT
Context: Karnataka farmers and Goa activists are protesting against the Kalasa-Banduri project, which aims to divert Mhadei (Mahadayi) river water, citing ecological and livelihood concerns.
About Mahadayi River:
- Origin: Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (Western Ghats), Belagavi district, Karnataka.
- Flows Through: Karnataka (35 km), Maharashtra (1 km), and Goa (45 km).
- Termination: Merges with the Arabian Sea in Goa after joining the Zuari River.
- Other Names: Mandovi (Goa), Gomati (in some stretches).
- Key Tributaries: Nerul River, St. Inez Creek, Mapusa River, Valvanti River, Dudhsagar River, Udnai River.
- Key Facts:
- Basin Area: 2,032 sq. km (Goa: 1,580 sq. km, Karnataka: 375 sq. km, Maharashtra: 77 sq. km).
- Lifeline of Goa: Critical for drinking water, agriculture, and biodiversity.
- Major Projects: Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project (Karnataka) proposes diversion to Malaprabha River.
About Mahadayi Water Dispute:
- Parties Involved: Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra.
- Karnataka’s Demand: Divert water to Malaprabha basin for drought-prone regions (Hubballi-Dharwad, Gadag).
- Goa’s Opposition: Argues diversion harms ecology, water security, and violates tribunal orders.
- Mahadayi Tribunal (2018): Allocated 13.42 TMC to Karnataka, 24 TMC to Goa, 1.33 TMC to Maharashtra.
- Current Status: Both states challenged the award in Supreme Court.
