Mhadei River Water Dispute | 19 May 2025

Source: TH 

A recent study recommending the diversion of water from Mhadei's tributaries to the Malaprabha River in Karnataka, without major impacts on Goa has sparked protests in Goa, reigniting the decades-long inter-state water dispute with Karnataka over water sharing. 

• The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal’s (MWDT) allotted Karnataka 13.42 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) to Karnataka. 
• About Mhadei River: It originates in the Western Ghats (Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka), flows through Goa (basin cover 78%), Karnataka (18%), and Maharashtra (4%) emptying into the Arabian Sea. 
  • Tributaries:  Kalasa, Banduri, Mapusa, Ragada, Nanuz, Valvoti, Nerul, St. Inez Creek, Dudhsagar, Kotrachi Nadi, and Rio de Ourém.  
    • It is connected to the Zuari River through the Cumbarjua Canal. 
  • Features: It is known for Dudhsagar Falls (Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary) and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on Chorao Island. 
• About Malaprabha River: It is a tributary of the Krishna River and originates in Kanakumbi village in Western Ghats in Belgaum, Karnataka.  
  • Aihole, Pattadakal, and Badami, all UNESCO sites, are located along its banks.