Diversion of Mahadayi water by Karnataka to impact Goa: NGO

Environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar said today a tribunal's decision to allow Karnataka to divert water outside the Mahadayi river basin will prove detrimental to the environment, ecology and the people of Goa.

Last week, the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal (MWDT) gave its verdict in the decades-old water sharing row between Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Kerkar, secretary of the Mahadayi Bachao Abhiyaan (MBA), said the reduction in Goa's share of the Mahadayi water will have an adverse impact on the coastal state's eco-system, agriculture and fisheries.

As per the August 14 MWDT verdict, Karnataka will get 13.4 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water from the river, while Goa and Maharashtra will be allowed to use 24 TMC and 1.33 TMC, respectively. The tribunal has allowed diversion of a part of share of Karnataka from the Mahadayi basin.

Goa had demanded 122 TMC of water for its use.

"The diversion of water outside the Mahadayi basin, allowed by the MWDT (to Karnataka), will prove detrimental for environment, ecology as well as safeguarding the interest of Goans," Kerkar said.

He said Goa is India's smallest state, but it has been blessed with an astonishing diversity of endemic species, habitats and ecosystems.

"Out of the total 111 km length of the Mahadayi, 76 km lies in Goa and only 35 km in Karnataka. It is pertinent to note the river, in its upper reaches, plays an important role in adding nutrients into the food chain," said Kerkar, whose NGO has been campaigning against diversion of the river water.

If Karnataka implements the diversion plan, it would result in change in hydraulic characteristics of the Mahadayi and reductionin flow of its water, thereby disturbing the delicate balance required for sustenance and growth of habitat in the region, he said.

"The water flow and moisture content presently available in the region would get considerably reduced, adversely affecting the flora and fauna," he added.

Kerkar said Goa is almost entirely dependent on the Mahadayi (called Mandovi in the state) and its basin forits drinking water needs,navigation,tourism, fishing and other activities.