No proposal for Environmental Clearance pending for Mahadayi: Centre
Karnataka officials argue that an Environmental Clearance is not needed for a drinking water project, and therefore, the question raised by Goa MP in Lok Sabha is irrelevant
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Context
The Union government clarified that no proposal from Karnataka seeking Environmental Clearance (EC) for the Mahadayi river diversion project is pending. Karnataka argues that drinking water projects are exempt from EC, though they require forest and wildlife clearances, which are currently pending. The issue highlights the ongoing inter-state water dispute between Karnataka and Goa over the Mahadayi river.
UPSC Perspectives
Environmental
The controversy highlights the complex regulatory framework for river projects under the . While hydroelectric and irrigation projects require mandatory based on recommendations from an , drinking water projects are generally exempt. However, the still requires Forest Clearance and Wildlife Clearance because it involves diverting forest land within the eco-sensitive tiger corridor between the and . The recently rejected Karnataka's proposal, citing potential ecological damage. This case illustrates the tension between development needs and biodiversity conservation, particularly in the ecologically fragile Western Ghats. UPSC aspirants should understand the specific exemptions under the EIA notification and the role of the NBWL in approving projects in protected areas.
Polity
The was constituted to resolve the conflict over water sharing between Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. This dispute underscores the challenges of Federalism in managing Inter-State Rivers, a subject under the Union List (). The , enacted under of the Constitution, provides the legal framework for resolving such conflicts. Goa's concerns about drinking water security and saline ingress highlight the downstream state's apprehensions regarding upstream diversions. The Centre's requirement for mandatory clearance from the or the relevant tribunal for any inter-state river proposal emphasizes the need for institutional oversight in managing shared water resources. Aspirants must study the constitutional provisions for inter-state water dispute resolution and the role of tribunals.
Geographical
The (known as Mandovi in Goa) originates in the Western Ghats in Karnataka and flows through Goa before joining the Arabian Sea. It is a crucial source of fresh water for Goa. The proposed diversion projects, like the , aim to divert water from the Mahadayi basin to the Malaprabha river basin (part of the Krishna basin) to meet the drinking water needs of drought-prone areas in northern Karnataka. This involves inter-basin water transfer, a complex geographical intervention that can alter the hydrological cycle, impact downstream ecosystems, and lead to saline ingress in estuaries. Understanding the geography of the Western Ghats, river basins, and the potential impacts of inter-basin transfers is essential for Geography Optional and GS Paper 1.