Goa relieved after MoEF’s decision on Mahadayi project

Syllabus subtopic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Prelims and Mains focus: about the Mahadayi Project and its significance, concerns of the states associated

News: In a reprieve to Goa, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) on Wednesday kept in abeyance its letter earlier written to Karnataka stating that its proposed Kalasa Banduri project on Mahadayi river does not need an environment clearance (EC).

Context

The MoEF’s move comes after Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who is in New Delhi to attend the GST Council meeting, met Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday, seeking withdrawal of the letter.

Kalasa Banduri Project

The Kalasa Banduri project is aimed at providing drinking water to three important districts of north Karnataka — Belagavi, Gadag and Dharwad — which go parched in summer due to acute water scarcity.

The project involves diverting water from Mahadayi river, the lifeline of Goa, into the Malaprabha river.

Mahadayi River Dispute

There have been ongoing protests in Karnataka on the issue of sharing of Mahadayi river waters.

Mahadayi river originates in Karnataka before flowing into Goa where it is called Mandovi.

Karnataka is seeking release of 7.56 tmcft water by Goa from the river for the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project, which is being opposed by Goa.

The project involves building barrages across Kalasa and Banduri, tributaries of Mahadayi river, to divert water to the Malaprabha which meets drinking water needs of the north Karnataka districts of Dharwad, Belagavi, Bagalkot and Gadag.

Goa is of the view that it has no problem in providing "reasonable and justified" amount of 0.1 TMC of water to Karnataka for its drinking needs.

The matter is pending before the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal.

Source: The Hindu

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