Rajendra Kerkar, a well-known environmentalist, who is also leading the anti-Mhadei diversion agitation, says the diversion will have a catastrophic impact on the environment if the Mhadei water is diverted to the Malaprabha River.
Speaking to Herald, Kerkar said that Karnataka’s thirst is not only confined to 7.56 TMC of water drawn from the Kalsa Bhandura project but it will continue to increase even after fulfillment of this project as damming and diversion is already in the pipeline on Kotni, Irti, Marudhal, Panshima, Irinjal, Katla, Palna.
“Water going to waste is wrong thinking by Karnataka as Goa has a fragile ecosystem and is situated on the west coast of India. If the quantum of fresh water mingling with salty water of the Arabian Sea gets reduced, it will have drastic effects on the ecology and environment and possibility of spreading several diseases and epidemics on account of increase in salinity level of water will increase,” Kerkar says. He also said that for thousands of years, Goans have maintained and inherited sluice gate technology (manas technology) through which they control salt water intrusion. Hence, if the Mhadei water reduces, it will have an adverse impact on these water bodies and their ability to produce prawns, lobsters and various other types of fish.
“The Water Resources Department has already constructed 50 bandaras of Mhadei and its tributaries. Water dammed in these various bandaras is used for drinking and irrigation purposes,” he says. He adds, “Around 43 per cent of the Goan population gets drinking water mainly from Mhadei and its tributaries.”
Further, he says as per Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 a natural flow coming in the direction of any wildlife sanctuary and National park should not be diverted.
