Mhadei River Water Dispute

Karnataka’s plans for diversion of the water from the disputed Mahadayi river for Kalasa-Banduri project will have less of an impact on Goa as a whole, but a significant impact of the permitted diversion by the Tribunal will be seen on the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, reveals a latest study by the hydrologists from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO).

Mhadei River Water Dispute – Summary

Background:

• The Mhadei River, also called Mahadayi or Mandovi, originates in Karnataka’s Sahyadri range and flows westward through Goa before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
• It travels 111 km in total: 36 km in Karnataka and 74 km in Goa, nourishing vital ecosystems and providing drinking water to 43% of Goa’s population.
• The Mhadei river basin spans 2,032 sq km:
  • Karnataka: 380 sq km (18%)
  • Maharashtra: 72 sq km (4%)
  • Goa: 1,580 sq km (78%)

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Kalasa-Banduri Project (Karnataka’s Proposal):

• Aim: Divert 7.56 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water to the Malaprabha River for:
  • Irrigation in the Malaprabha command area.
  • Drinking water for Hubli-Dharwad, Navalgund, Nargund, and Badami.
• Infrastructure: Two barrages (small dams) on Kalasa and Banduri, tributaries of the Mhadei.