India
The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) is scheduled to visit Karnataka this week to investigate allegations concerning the state’s water diversion projects on the Mahadayi River. The visit follows complaints by the Goa government, accusing Karnataka of conducting illegal work that could adversely impact the river’s flow and ecology.
The Mahadayi River, also known as the Mandovi in Goa, is a vital water source for both states. The dispute centres around Karnataka’s plans to divert water from the river to the Malaprabha basin to address its water scarcity issues. Goa contends that such diversions would significantly reduce the river’s flow into its territory, affecting agriculture, drinking water supply, and the region’s ecological balance.
Goa has alleged that Karnataka has been undertaking construction activities on the river without the necessary clearances from the MWDT. The Goa government claims that these projects are not only unauthorized but also detrimental to the river’s natural flow, potentially causing severe environmental damage.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has been vocal about the issue, urging the central government and the MWDT to take strict action against Karnataka. “We cannot allow Karnataka to proceed with these activities unchecked. The Mahadayi River is our lifeline, and its diversion will have catastrophic effects on our state,” Sawant stated.
The MWDT’s visit aims to verify the claims made by the Goa government and assess the current status of the projects undertaken by Karnataka. The team will conduct on-site inspections, review documentation, and hold discussions with local officials and stakeholders from both states.
An MWDT official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “Our objective is to ensure compliance with the tribunal’s directives and to address any unauthorized activities that may be taking place. The tribunal’s mandate is to mediate and resolve such disputes in a fair and impartial manner.”
Karnataka, on its part, has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that its projects are within legal parameters and necessary to address the acute water shortage in the Malaprabha basin. State officials argue that they have adhered to all legal requirements and that the diversion is essential for meeting the needs of their citizens.
“Karnataka has always respected the legal process and the decisions of the MWDT. Our work on the Mahadayi is crucial for our agricultural and drinking water needs. We are confident that the tribunal’s visit will validate our stance,” said Karnataka’s Water Resources Minister, Ramesh Jarkiholi.
The MWDT’s findings from this visit will play a crucial role in determining the future course of action. If Karnataka is found to have violated tribunal directives, it could face legal and administrative consequences. Conversely, a clean chit could strengthen Karnataka’s position and potentially lead to a review of the water-sharing arrangements.
The dispute over the Mahadayi River is a significant flashpoint in the inter-state relations between Goa and Karnataka. The upcoming inspection is a critical step towards resolving this longstanding issue, with both states eagerly awaiting the tribunal’s conclusions.
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