Karnataka panel submits memo to PM over Mahadayi water diversion

Karnataka panel submits memo to PM over Mahadayi water diversion
The Navhind Times

UNI New Delhi Sept 1: An all-party delegation of Karnataka today sought revoking of the order of the water resources ministry withholding the ‘in principle clearance’ given for the diversion of Mahadayi (Mhadei) river waters for fulfilling the drinking water needs of Hubli-Dharwad towns.The delegation, led by the Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr N Dharam Singh, said the diversion of a small portion of 7.5 tmc of water from the river by taking up Kalasa-Baduri Nala project to meet the drinking water needs will not affect the yield in the river which is known to yield 200 tmc of water every year. Presently almost all of this water goes to Arabian Sea and not used by any of the basin states — Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa.

The memorandum, submitted to the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh by the delegation, said the people in Hubli and Dharwad towns were getting drinking water supply once in 10 days. The Karnataka government had proposed Kalasa Banduri Nala diversion to cater to the needs of these thirsty twin towns.

The CWC studies had revealed that the Mahadayi is a surplus basin with a yield of 200 tmc even after its utilisation by Goa. The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur had indicated that no adverse impact would be caused due to the project in the basin.

The delegation said its share of water in the river would be in the range of 40 to 45 tmc much higher than 7.5 tmc of water sought to be diverted.

The in principle clearance by the Central Water Commission should be revived as Goa was yet to communicate its objections or comments on the yield study. “This only implies that they have no comments of any kind but are only adopting delaying tactics to prevent Karnataka from taking up the project,” the delegation said.