Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Feb 28: Karnataka is relieved as the central government, notwithstanding objections from Maharshtra and Goa, published the notification relating to the final award of Mahadayi Tribunal on Thursday, February 27. This has paved the way for Karnataka to implement the much-awaited Kalasa-Banduri water project which will benefit Belagavi, Gadag, Baalkot and Dharwad districts.

There was longstanding dispute over sharing of water from River Mahadayi between Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa. Mahadayi Tribunal had delivered its final award on the dispute on August 14, 2018. Goa government had disputed the award. All the three states had filed special leave petitions in the Supreme Court demanding increase in their respective shares of river water. The Supreme Court, upholding the argument of Karnataka that drinking water projects should get precedence over others, had directed the central government on February 20 to issue notification about the Mahadayi final award.

Mahadayi river (file photo)

A high level delegation of Karnataka comprising water resources minister Basavaraj Bommai, industries minister Jagadish Shetter, and water resources minister Ramesh Jarkiholi, had met union minister for water resources Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, on Wednesday, urging him to publish notification as above. Te minister acted promptly, and notification was published within 24 hours.

As per the verdict, Mahadayi Water Management Authority will have to be formed on the model of Cauvery Water Management Authority. This notification, which has come into effect immediately, will remain valid till August 31, 2048. Thereafter, user states can approach either the tribunal or the competent authority seeking for revision o share of water from the river.

Mahadayi activists have thanked people's representatives and state leaders who have worked to make this victory possible. Now, the government has to start further process after preparing detailed project report and submit the same to Mahadayi Water Management Authority for approval.