UAE: The Mahadayi river tribunal’s verdict has led to severe protests across Karnataka. The entire state is protesting against the injustice done by the verdict. Public including farmers, pro-Kannada organizations and the entire Kannada film industry was a part of the Karnataka bandh on Saturday, July 30.
The Mahadayi river water sharing dispute:
The Karnataka government and Goa government is fighting on sharing of waters of the Mahadayi river (called Mandovi in Goa). Mahadayi, also known as the Mandovi river, is known as a lifeline in the northern parts of the state. The river originates and flows for 29 kilometers in Karnataka and goes through Maharashtra and Goa before meeting the Arabian Sea.
In order to to divert 7.56 tmcft of water to the Malaprabha river basin, Congress-led Karnataka government wants to build canals to link Kalasa and Banduri, the tributaries of Mahadayi. Objecting the move, BJP-led Goa government argued that if Karnataka implemented the Kalasa-Banduri project, it would prove disastrous for the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats as the proposed project was deep inside the forest.
Karnataka, which has locked horns with neighbouring Goa on the larger issue of sharing Mahadayi river water between both the states, had petitioned the tribunal seeking release of 7.56 tmcft of water for Kalasa-Banduri Nala project. The tribunal, which gave its interim order after hearing arguments from both Karnataka and Goa, had rejected the state’s plea citing various grounds including ecological damage that the project may cause.
The Kalasa-Banduri Nala (diversion) project, which will utilise 7.56 tmcft from the inter-state Mahadayi river, is being undertaken by Karnataka to improve drinking water supply to the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad and the districts of Belagavi and Gadag. The project to supply drinking water to Hubballi-Dharwad, Gadag, Bagalkot and Belagavi districts from the river has remained incomplete due to standoff between the two states since a decade.
The NRI’s of Karnataka had their say and expressed their opinions on issue when NewsKarnataka contacted them.
S Muthugadur Aruna, Dubai
This is not a fair decision by the tribunal. During the Kaveri water issue, they asked Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu, but when it comes to Mahadayi, the decision is against Karnataka. Since long time, we are fighting for our rights. We all should get together to achieve it. The only thing I request to all our Kannadigas is to fight calmly against the decision. The bandh and strikes lead to losses for the government. Stopping buses, trains and damaging the public properties is not the right thing to do. The government will hike prices or taxes to recover the loss. I request all the Kannadigas to fight calmly without making loss to property.
Murugesh Gajare, Dubai
It is very unfortunate that because of the Mahadayi issue there is so much violence and protests in the state. UAE Basava samithi expresses its solidarity to the people of Karnataka in this crucial situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should convene a meeting of the concerned State heads and resolve the issue amicably.
Valerian Almeida, Abu Dhabi
Water is a natural resource and it is not a commodity. It is a tradition in Karnataka that when any one asks for water we give water and jaggery. So there is no scope for politics in sharing water. It should be shared freely and willingly and all people have their right over water since it is a natural resource like air. Goa and the Central government must understand this and release water and they will be blessed.
Prakash Payyar, Dubai
Mahadayi river also known as the Mandovi or Gomati river in Goa, is known as a lifeline in the northern parts of the state. The river originates and flows for 29 kilometer in Karnataka and goes through Goa before meeting the Arabian Sea. The river has a length of 81 km, 29 km in Karnataka and 52 km in Goa. It originates from a cluster of 30 springs at Bhimgad in the Western Ghats in Belagavi district of Karnataka.
Even though Mahadayi river originates from Karnataka, the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal headed by J.N. Panchal rejected our State’s request for drinking water project in northern districts. We are not able to present our cause in such a way which is acceptable to tribunal.
This is not the first time that this type of prejudice is faced by the State’s people. People from Karnataka are considered as the most tolerant people in the nation. They are nowadays losing every fight for their rights. Lack of political will among leaders of all political parties in Karnataka is the main reason for Karnataka losing its stand on every fight for its right. We do not have national level powerful leaders or strong chief minister in Karnataka since long time. Now we will have to elect self respected young educated leaders who will be able to fight for Karnataka’s right and protect Kannada “Nadu Nudi”. Till then, we will have to put forward our cause ourselves and fight for it.
Prabhakar Ambalatere, Dubai
The tribunal decision against Karnataka about Mahadayi is really painful. The decision makers have not considered the request of the people of Karnataka for their basic living right. The water which is dead flown to sea will really cherish the life of people in Belagavi, Dharawad, Hubballi and Gadag district. The honorable Prime Minister must understand the seriousness of the request and interfere directly to solve the issue. The elected members of parliament from Karnataka should be united to convince the PM. I am supporting the people of Karnataka and pray to God that we get a favourable decision soon.
