Mahadayi River Dispute: A Lifeline for Goa, a Necessity for Karnataka
Overview of the Dispute
The Mahadayi River dispute is a decades-long inter-state conflict between Goa and Karnataka, with both states asserting rights over the river’s waters. While Karnataka views it as a source of essential drinking water for its northern regions, Goa considers the river its lifeline, both for its people and its environment.
Goa CM: "Mahadayi Is Not Political, It's Our Lifeline"
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant made a strong emotional appeal on Thursday, reiterating that for Goa, Mahadayi is not just a political matter but a matter of survival. Addressing the state assembly, he said:
"For everyone, the Mahadayi is a political issue, but for Goa, Mahadayi is our lifeline... It should flow freely into Goa because it supports the ecosystem, including the Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary."
Sawant emphasized that the Goa government is actively pursuing its case in the Supreme Court, central ministries, and the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal.
The Geography and Significance of the Mahadayi River
The Mahadayi River (also known as Mhadei in Goa and Mandovi) originates from the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. It travels approximately 77 km through the Western Ghats, briefly entering Maharashtra, before reaching Goa, where it becomes the Mandovi River and empties into the Arabian Sea near Panaji.
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In Goa: It sustains major population centres and eco-sensitive regions.
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In Karnataka: The proposed Kalasa-Banduri Nala project seeks to divert 7.56 TMC of Mahadayi water to Malaprabha basin, aiming to support over 40 lakh residents in Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, Bagalkot, and surrounding districts.
Tribunal Verdict and Continued Opposition
In 2018, the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal allocated 13.42 TMC of water to Karnataka, but Goa has continued to object, arguing that such diversion would threaten the state’s ecology, water security, and wildlife habitat.
Despite the verdict, the project has not moved forward, largely due to Goa's persistent legal objections and environmental concerns.
Political Reactions from Karnataka
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sharply criticised CM Sawant’s statements, calling them an insult to the people of Karnataka. He defended the Kalasa-Banduri project as a non-negotiable water supply initiative for North Karnataka and blamed the Centre and Goa’s BJP government for obstructing the project.
“Mahadayi is not for luxury. It is for drinking water needs of North Karnataka,” he asserted.
Karnataka Minister H.K. Patil further accused the Centre of bias, citing CM Sawant’s assembly claim that Union Minister Bhupender Yadav had assured Goa that Karnataka wouldn’t get clearance to proceed. Patil said:
“It is shocking and against the people of Karnataka. The Government of India must grant the necessary clearance.”
Goa's Legal Move: Contempt Petition
In response to Karnataka's alleged preparatory activities for water diversion, Goa is planning to file a contempt petition in the Supreme Court, accusing Karnataka of violating tribunal directives. The state has maintained that any unauthorized action could irreversibly damage Goa’s fragile ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Karnataka has announced plans to discuss the Mahadayi issue during its upcoming monsoon legislative session on August 11.
Centre's Position Under Scrutiny
Both states have turned to the Centre for intervention, though with opposing demands:
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Goa seeks Centre’s assurance to block any unauthorized diversion.
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Karnataka demands the Centre grant clearances for project execution.
So far, the Centre has remained largely silent, but its role will be pivotal in mediating or resolving the dispute in the coming weeks.
Environmental Stakes: The Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary
One of Goa’s central arguments is environmental preservation. The Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Sattari Taluka of North Goa, is dependent on the river’s natural flow. Any diversion upstream, Goa argues, would not only harm its biodiversity and forest ecosystem but also reduce water availability downstream for both human and wildlife use.
Conclusion: Lifeline or Necessity — Who Gets the Flow?
The Mahadayi River dispute continues to be a complex legal, ecological, and political battle. While Karnataka frames it as a fundamental water access issue, Goa frames it as a matter of survival and sustainability.
As the Supreme Court, central ministries, and state governments continue to debate and litigate, the river’s fate — and that of millions of citizens — hangs in the balance.
The coming weeks, particularly the monsoon legislative session in Karnataka and Goa’s planned legal action, could significantly shape the trajectory of this long-standing dispute.
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