PANJIM: In a major setback to Goa government’s fight against Mhadei River water diversion, the Central government has granted Environment Clearance (EC) to Karnataka’s Kalasa Banduri project on the River. Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra have been fighting over river water diversion for over a decade now.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) Prakash Javdekar on Wednesday took on social media to announce the grant of EC for the Kalasa project. “On the follow up of my cabinet colleague @JoshiPralhad (Union Mines Minister), Kalasa Banduri drinking water project in Karnataka has been granted environmental approval,” he tweeted.
Karnataka wants to use water for irrigation for the parched northern districts of the State. However, Goa has raised its strong objection as it would affect their supply of water from the river, which is a lifeline for entire North Goa.
Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal has allowed Karnataka to use 13.5 TMC ft of water. The same has been challenged by Goa before the Supreme Court, which is yet to hear the matter.
The Karnataka government in its submission before MOEF&CC for the EC has said that tribunal has directed the State to implement the project after obtaining mandatory clearances as required by law.
The proponent has said the project includes construction of three diversion dams namely Haltara diversion dam, Kalasa diversion Dam and Banduri diversion dam involving diversion of 499.13Ha of forest land, which includes submergence of 406.6Ha of forest land.
The proposed project involves supply of 7.56 TMC of water during monsoon season through interconnecting canals for providing drinking water facilities to Hubli-Dharwad towns, Kundgol town and en route villages. However, tribunal has awarded total of 3.90TMC of water for diversion from Mhadei basin to Malaprabha River for drinking water purpose, comprising of 1.72TMC from Kalasa Nala and 2.18TMC from Banduri.
The project component falls within the eco-sensitive zone of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and is located close to Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
