MAPUSA
The State government has moved swiftly to ascertain the facts behind a reported proposal to divert water from the Tillari river/project to Belagavi city, with the Water Resources Department (WRD) seeking a detailed report from its Maharashtra counterpart on the plan and its possible implications for Goa.
The Superintending Engineer of WRD’s Circle Office-II, Karaswada, has written to the Executive Engineer of the Sindhudurg Irrigation Project Construction Division at Charathe, Sawantwadi, seeking details of all proposals and activities relating to the reported diversion of Tillari water to Belagavi through the Rakaskop Reservoir.
The move follows reports published by The Goan on August 12 under the headline “Belagavi now turns to Tillari for its drinking water needs”, followed by The Goan on August 13, “Tillari Diversion Plan Sparks debate”. The Maharashtra division has been asked to provide details of the proposal, including copies of any project reports, DPRs, technical studies, drawings, correspondence, minutes of meetings and approvals connected with the plan.
The WRD has specifically sought information on the technical, hydrological, operational and inter-State implications of any proposal to divert or transfer water from the Tillari system. The development assumes significance because Tillari is not merely a river flowing through Maharashtra but forms part of an inter-State irrigation project jointly developed by Goa and Maharashtra, with the project playing an important role in Goa’s irrigation and drinking water network.
The department’s letter makes it clear that Goa wants to establish whether any formal proposal exists, what quantity of water is being contemplated for diversion and what arrangements are being considered before the matter progresses further. The issue has also gained importance against the backdrop of increasing demands from Karnataka for access to water in the Tillari region. In 2024, reports had emerged of Karnataka considering an understanding with Maharashtra to share water from tributaries in the Tillari region. Goa had then expressed concern that such arrangements could eventually affect the quantum of water available to the State. Goa’s concern is particularly significant because the State is continuing to invest heavily in the Tillari system to strengthen its own water security. The 2025-26 Economic Survey describes the Tillari Irrigation Project as an inter-State multipurpose project of Goa and Maharashtra, planned to irrigate a command area spread across Pernem, Bicholim and Bardez.
It also records ongoing works to strengthen the canal network and augment raw water supplies to Goa’s drinking water infrastructure.
