In an interesting development, one that would bring some cheer to Goa, the Regional Empowered Committee (REC) of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has warned that Karnataka’s ambitious Kalsa-Bhandura drinking water project can “negatively impact” the riverine ecology of the Mhadei river and lead to “reduced water flows” into the ecologically sensitive Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary.
The decision has highlighted the fragile balance between development and conservation that is crucial, and, in a way, vindicates Goa’s long-standing concerns over the water diversion project, that the integrity of the Mhadei River will be at risk due to the project.
The decision comes as a shot in the arm for Goa, which has been taking up the issue at various levels. It is indeed a positive sign, given the apprehension that Karnataka will eventually have its way due to its political muscle. We hope that complacency does not set in. Ministers, rather than expressing confidence of getting a favourable outcome, need to monitor and pursue further action till the issue reaches its logical conclusion. It has to convince the Centre that the diversion of Mhadei waters would alter the flow downstream, triggering water scarcity in Goa.
This issue touches on fundamental questions of water rights and environmental sovereignty. Goa’s Chief WildLife Warden’s order to restrain work on the project, based on the Wildlife Protection Act, highlights the importance of respecting ecological laws that protect vital biodiversity, whereas Karnataka’s challenge to this order in the Supreme Court reflects a tendency to prioritise short-term water needs over environmental concerns, risking irreversible ecological damage.
Now that better sense has prevailed, Goa need to press for a joint site inspection of the project site in Karnataka, where the neighbouring state has clandestinely undertaken works in contempt of court orders. With the REC maintaining that the diversion project can “negatively impact” the riverine ecology of the Mhadei river and lead to “reduced water flows” into the ecologically sensitive Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, all works carried out for the purpose need to be demolished. These observations would be meaningless if Karnataka still manages to divert water through back channels.
The PRAWAH (Progressive River Authority for Welfare and Harmony), established to resolve issues, has struggled because of continued diversion works and repeated rejection of joint inspections. The Authority has failed to record violations, keeping the issue entangled in legal and political battles. The REC decision comes as a slap on the face of those trying to not find a reason to believe that biodiversity is at stake.
Goa has been fighting to protect its share of the Mhadei river’s water for over ten years, since a large section of people in the State are dependent on the flow. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive, legally binding solution that recognises the ecological and legal sovereignty of Goa, and hence it is essential that Karnataka’s water diversion plans undergo rigorous environmental scrutiny.
The onus is now on the Centre to prioritise ecological preservation and equitable water sharing, and ensure that regulations are not bypassed. Let there be transparency. The ecological fragility of the Mhadei basin cannot be compromised for selfish gains. Goa needs a resolution that safeguards its water rights and ecological integrity, nothing more or less.
