PANJIM: Days after the Karnataka Government ordered implementation of a hydro power project using water from the disputed Mahadayi river basin, the Goa Government has asked the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti whether it has granted any approval for the project.
According to an order issued in February 2022, the Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government has given approval to the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited to implement the Mahadayi Hydro Power Project, as per the final verdict of the Mhadei Water Disputes Tribunal.
Speaking to HERALD, State Water Resources Department (WRD) Chief Engineer Pramod Badami said that the department has sought clarification from the Union Ministry on the project approval. “We have taken cognizance of the Karnataka government order,” he said.
Badami said that as per their information, the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has not granted any approval for the project but still has sought clarification from them. “The Mahadayi Tribunal Award is been challenged in the Supreme Court and pending that, Karnataka cannot undertake any work on ground,” he explained.
Chief Engineer said that State will also place on record the Karnataka’s order on hydropower project before the Supreme Court when the matter comes up for hearing next. “Karnataka can issue any order but it will not have any impact on us still Central government and Supreme Court clears the project,” Badami said.
The MWDT in its August 14, 2018 award, which the Centre notified in February 2020, the tribunal allocated 13.42 tmcft of water to Karnataka, which includes 5.40 tmcft for consumption.
