PANAJI
The Mhadei PRAWAH Authority will hold its sixth meeting in Goa on June 29, with discussions expected on finalising the procedure for granting clearances to new minor irrigation and drinking water projects in the Mhadei basin.
At its last meeting in December 2025, Goa sought an additional month to submit suggestions on the procedure for approving projects proposed within the basin. Karnataka has since submitted its views, while Maharashtra is yet to respond.
The Authority is expected to discuss the matter and decide on a detailed approval mechanism for future projects.
Members will also review the status of completed and ongoing irrigation and water supply schemes in the basin. During a familiarisation visit in 2024, the chairperson sought details of all major, medium and minor schemes, followed by a formal request to the basin States in August 2025. Karnataka and Goa have provided the information, but Maharashtra has not yet submitted its data.
The meeting will also consider sharing hydrometeorological and other water resources data related to schemes and sites within the basin.
Administrative issues will feature on the agenda, including approval of recruitment rules for non-statutory posts. Although the Authority has approved an organisational structure with 45 posts, its day-to-day functioning continues to be handled by officers of the Central Water Commission holding additional charge.
Members will also discuss progress on setting up office accommodation for the Authority in Porvorim. A temporary office is functioning from Sinchai Bhawan in Alto Porvorim, while renovation work on a new building is under way. The meeting will also review efforts to identify land in Panaji for a permanent office, an issue that has remained under discussion since the Authority’s first meeting.
