Study on Mahadayi river diversion sparks fresh protest in Goa, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• A scientific study published in the Journal of Earth System Sciences suggests Karnataka’s Mahadayi river diversion plan may have minimal impact on Goa, except in a few ecologically sensitive areas.

  • The study has triggered fresh protests in Goa, particularly from the Mhadei Movement and Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP).

  • The river-sharing dispute between Goa and Karnataka has been ongoing for over two decades, despite a 2018 tribunal ruling.

  Detailed Insights: 1. Background of the Dispute:

• Mahadayi (Mandovi) River originates in Karnataka, flows through Goa, and is vital for Goa’s ecology and water security.

  • The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) allowed Karnataka to divert:

    • 1.72 tmcft from Kalasa

      • 2.18 tmcft from Bhandura

    • Both Karnataka and Goa have challenged this verdict in the Supreme Court, keeping the matter unresolved.

  2. What the New Study Says:

• Conducted by scientists from CSIR-NIO and INCOIS.

  • Used a scientific water budget model for the Mahadayi basin.

  • Found Karnataka’s planned diversion won’t significantly impact Goa, except possibly in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary’s northern region.

  • Claimed the model can simulate river discharge changes from any location, strengthening Karnataka’s argument.

  3. Political and Environmental Fallout:

• Goa-based groups argue the findings downplay ecological and local water impacts.

  • The Mahadei Movement and RGP led protests outside the NIO complex in Goa.

  • The issue remains emotionally charged in both states and politically sensitive, especially due to Goa’s reliance on Mahadayi for drinking water.

  Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Water Budget Analysis: Method to calculate inflow, outflow, and storage of water in a river basin.

  • Tributary Diversion Impact Assessment: Used to predict environmental consequences of altering river flows.

  Significance:

• Reflects the fragility of federalism in water resource governance.

  • Highlights the conflict between scientific findings and public perception.

  • Brings focus on the need for transparent, participatory water-sharing mechanisms, especially in ecologically fragile zones like the Western Ghats.

Mains Mock Question:

Discuss the constitutional and environmental challenges involved in inter-State river water sharing in India. Illustrate your answer with reference to the Mahadayi river dispute.