Mhadei/Mahadayi river dispute:
Mhadei-Mahadayi river dispute is constantly making news for past few weeks and tensions have emerged between Goa and Karnataka. Has this issue arise recently? Most of the people will wonder as for why today Karnataka bandh?
What the dispute is all about?
The Mahadayi/ Mhadei river also known as Mandovi has a length of 77km, 29 km in Karnataka and 52km in Goa.It is known as the lifeline of Goa.It originates from a group of 30 spring at Bhimgad in the western ghats in Belagavi district of Karnataka.
The Mahadayi/Mhadei dispute started in the 80s and grew stronger in the following decades.It all started when Karnataka Govt decided to construct a number of dams and canals to direct the Mhadei/Mahadayi river water to the Malaprabha basin.The main reason behind it was to meet the requirements of water-scarce districts of Bagalkot, Gadag, Dharwad, and Belagavi.The Karnataka Government undertook Kalasa-Banduri Nala project to improve drinking water supply to these districts. Karnataka claims it requires 7.56 thousand million cubic feet (tmc ft) of water from Mahadayi to meet the requirement of farmers of North Karnataka. For many years the project was on paper which was later in 2002 got clearance from central Government.But soon project was held when BJP government headed by Mr Manohar Parrikar raised an objection to the project claiming it will harm Goa’s flora and fauna.
Mhadei being the lifeline of Goa, the Goa population depends on this river to meet its drinking water requirement. If the Mhadei water is diverted to Malaprabha basin, it will ultimately end up killing the state’s mangroves and green belt, which in turn will disturb the relationship between the people and the land, as well as the ecological balance.
Origin of Mhadei/Mahadayi River:Bhimgad
Kalasa-Banduri Nala project
The Mahadayi/Mhadei dispute started in the 80s and grew stronger in the following decades.It all started when Karnataka Govt decided to construct a number of dams and canals to direct the Mhadei/Mahadayi river water to the Malaprabha basin.The main reason behind it was to meet the requirements of water-scarce districts of Bagalkot, Gadag, Dharwad, and Belagavi.The Karnataka Government undertook Kalasa-Banduri Nala project to improve drinking water supply to these districts. Karnataka claims it requires 7.56 thousand million cubic feet (tmc ft) of water from Mahadayi to meet the requirement of farmers of North Karnataka. For many years the project was on paper which was later in 2002 got clearance from central Government.But soon project was held when BJP government headed by Mr Manohar Parrikar raised an objection to the project claiming it will harm Goa’s flora and fauna.Mhadei being the lifeline of Goa, the Goa population depends on this river to meet its drinking water requirement. If the Mhadei water is diverted to Malaprabha basin, it will ultimately end up killing the state’s mangroves and green belt, which in turn will disturb the relationship between the people and the land, as well as the ecological balance.
Bright green Western Ghats
Though the river originates in Bhimgad district of Karnataka Government, the major part of the river is in Goa state.The Karnataka Government also claims that Goa government waste the sweet water as the river later flows into the Arabian sea, which can reduce the water scarcity in their district.Goa denied the allegation saying it is the water lacking state and it is only the main source of sweet water and restricting the water supply to the state will severely affect the agriculture production.
Mhadei/Mahadayi River
The dispute over the sharing of water between the states is around 30years old. Supreme Court has, for now, told Karnataka Government to stop the construction work of canals and dams over Mhadei river.The final hearing is expected to take place in February of this year.
Why this dispute in limelight recently?
The Mahadayi/Mhadei dispute has become a political flashpoint in Goa and Karnataka and the tension will become more intense in future with Kannada organizations and farmers planning to hold two bandhs in Karnataka over the next few weeks which will severely affect the relationship between this two states.
As the election is approaching in Karnataka all the political parties trying their best and implementing new strategies to solve the dispute which will definitely help them to gain vote bank in the state.The parties are pointing at each other for the latest dispute.In the interim, Karnataka associations have called for two bandhs on 4 February and 25 February.The Goa government, for its part, formed a committee to inspect violations of a Supreme Court order in the case by Karnataka.
Impact of Mhadei water diversion on Goa:-
- Goa is one of the best holiday destinations in India which lies on the western coast of India.It is mainly known for its beautiful beaches, placid clear waters, bright green mountain ranges.Tourist all around the world loves the scenic natural beauty of Goa and hence visit Goa to spend quality time with their loved ones. The economy of Goa depends on tourism and water scarcity will affect the tourism badly.The building of large canals and dams over the river will also affect the fishing industry.
Goa's Scenic beauty
- Goa is a small tiny state which depends only on this river to meet its drinking, agriculture production needs.During non-monsoon season, the river dries up and will surely create water scarcity in the state.
- Goa state is surrounded by beautiful green flora and fauna. The Mhadei waterway in the Western Ghats goes through four wildlife sanctuaries and is considered as the most sizzling hotspot of biodiversity by the United Nations. If the Mhadei water is diverted to Malaprabha basin it will affect the ecological system of green Goa.
Is Bandh, creating violence is the only solution to this Dispute?
The Mhadei river dispute is the most important topic for both states.Both state trying their best to solve the issue under the guidance of Government.They demanded the Central government to take action and get a solution to this dispute as early as possible.
But we guys really doing anything to solve the issue?Beside Bandh, Violence has we thought any other solution?
People of both states are simple and rooted in their culture.Both state people share a cordial relation with each other.They migrate to each other state for job and for better living.Everyone works hard to travel this life journey peacefully and beautifully.But when this type Bandh held it only disturbs the mental state of people.Many private properties get damage in this violence.
So whom to blame for such violence? Why cant calmly together we think a solution to this old dispute.Does our state has invested in rainwater harvesting techniques? Both the state gets an adequate amount of rainfall so can’t we pump water through pipelines to rain deficient areas within the state? why can't we store the rain water by creating small mini ponds?
Rain Harvesting pond
Is this so difficult?everything is possible if we genuinely interested in finding a solution.But most states have made little investment in this solution and continue to dispute over the water issue.And in some cases where investment have been made, it has mostly been wasted by corrupt officials and politicians.And the cause of all this we the common people suffer the most.Guys think about it and follow the way which only will help us in future.Do comment and share your ideas on this topic.
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