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Mahadayi (Mhadei) River
Context
A new study by the National Institute of Oceanography found that Karnataka's plan to divert water from the Mahadayi river will have minimal impact on Goa’s Mandovi estuary. This has brought the long-standing water dispute between Karnataka and Goa back into focus.
About the Mahadayi (Mhadei) River
- River Mahadayi is spread across the Districts of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra.
- Origin: The Mahadayi River originates in the Western Ghats in Karnataka’s Belagavi district (Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary).
- Length: Approximately 111 km long.
- Drainage Basin: It covers around 2032 sq. km, with 52 km in Karnataka, 9 km in Maharashtra, and the remaining 50 km in Goa.
- Flow: It flows westward and drains into the Arabian Sea at Panaji (Goa), where it is known as the Mandovi River.
- Tributaries: Kalasa Nala, Surla Nala, Haltar Nala, Poti Nala, Mahadayi Nala, Pansheer Nala, Bail Nala, Andher Nala
- Importance:
- For Goa: It is lifeline for drinking water, agriculture, navigation, and ecological sustainability. The river supports the Mandovi estuary, which is crucial for Goa’s economy.
- For Karnataka: It is seen as a potential source to augment water supply to Malaprabha basin, which caters to drought-prone districts like Dharwad, Gadag, and Belagavi.
The Dispute
- States Involved: Goa (downstream), Karnataka (upstream), and Maharashtra (minor stakeholder).
- Issue: Karnataka wants to divert water from two Mahadayi tributaries — Kalasa and Bhandura (Bandura) — to the east-flowing Malaprabha River, a tributary of the Krishna.
- Goa's Opposition:
- Goa claims this diversion will reduce river flow, particularly in dry seasons, and threaten its drinking water needs, Mandovi estuary ecosystem, and the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Also raises concerns of ecological degradation and violation of inter-state water sharing principles.
Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT)
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