Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project

Why in news

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar urged Union Minister Bhupender Yadav to expedite environmental clearances for Kalasa-Banduri and Mekedatu projects, stressing collaboration and reduced forest land requirements, and seeking notification for Krishna water distribution.

About Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project

• The Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project is a significant water resource initiative by the Government of Karnataka, primarily aimed at addressing water scarcity and improving the drinking water supply in the northern Karnataka districts of Belagavi, Dharwad, and Gadag.
• The project has been at the center of inter-state disputes, particularly with Goa, over the sharing of the Mahadayi River's water.

Objective of the Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project

The main objective of the project is to divert water from the Mahadayi River (also known as Mandovi River in Goa) to the Malaprabha River, a tributary of the Krishna River. This water diversion aims to address the drinking water needs of the districts of Belagavi, Dharwad, and Gadag in Karnataka, which face severe water shortages.

Key Project Details

• Water Diversion:
  • The project involves the construction of dams across Kalasa and Banduri, which are two tributaries of the Mahadayi River. A canal system will be developed to divert water from these streams to the Malaprabha River.
• Drinking Water Supply:
  • The project aims to provide a reliable drinking water supply to more than 50 lakh people in the affected regions of northern Karnataka.
• Historical Context:
  • Initially proposed in 1989, the project has been delayed due to opposition from Goa, which shares the Mahadayi River. Goa is concerned about the ecological impact and the potential reduction in water flow for its own needs.

Disputes and Legal Proceedings

• In 2010, the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal was established to resolve the water-sharing dispute between Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra regarding the Mahadayi River.
• The final verdict from the tribunal will determine the extent to which Karnataka can utilize the river's water, influencing the future of the Kalasa-Banduri Project.

Environmental Concerns

• Goa has raised concerns about the environmental and ecological consequences of the water diversion, particularly the impact on the river’s ecosystem and the flow of water to the coastal areas of Goa.
• Environmental Clearances: The project is awaiting environmental clearances from the central government. Recently, D.K. Shivakumar, a key political figure from Karnataka, urged the Centre to expedite the approval process for both the Kalasa-Banduri and Mekedatu Projects.

Current Status

As of now, the project remains in limbo due to the unresolved dispute and pending tribunal decisions. The project’s implementation is contingent on the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings and environmental clearance approvals.

Impact on the Region

The successful implementation of the project is expected to mitigate water scarcity in Belagavi, Dharwad, and Gadag districts and support the development of these areas by ensuring sustainable drinking water sources for the local population.