Mahadayi River

Mahadayi River Latest News

A protest has emerged in Goa following the publication of a scientific paper, “The water budget of the Mahadayi river and its implications for the inter-State dispute”, by scientists and researchers.

About Mahadayi River

• The Mahadayi (Mhadei) River originates from Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats in Karnataka and flows westward to join the Arabian Sea at Panaji, Goa.
• Its basin is crucial for Goa’s water needs, covering much of North Goa.
• It has several tributaries, namely Rogaro, Kushavati, Nanorem, Nanuz, Valvota, and Mapusa.
• The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located on the island of Chorao in the Mandovi River.
• The river is central to a decades-long dispute between Karnataka and Goa, primarily over Karnataka’s plans to divert water from the Kalasa and Bhandura tributaries to the Malaprabha basin for drinking water needs.
• The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) in 2018 allocated 13.42 tmc (380 Mcum) of water to Karnataka, including permissions for limited diversion from the Kalasa (1.72 tmc) and Bhandura (2.18 tmc) streams.

Mahadayi River FAQs

Q1. Where does Mahadayi River start and end?

Ans: It starts in Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, and ends in the Arabian Sea at Panaji, Goa.

Q2. What is the Mahadayi River controversy?

Ans: It is a dispute between Goa and Karnataka over sharing and diversion of the river’s water for drinking and irrigation needs.

Q3. Which is the longest river in Goa?

Ans: Zuari River is the longest river in Goa at 92 km.

Q4. What is the importance of Mahadayi River?

Ans: It is the lifeline of Goa, providing drinking water, irrigation, and supporting ecosystems and livelihoods.

Source: TH