Mhadei River Dispute : Supreme Court Agrees To List Before February 13

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to list an application filed by State of Goa challenging the Central Water Commission's (CWC) approval of the Karnataka government’s detailed project report (DPR) for the construction of dams on Mhadei river which will lead to diversion of Mhadei river water into Karnataka. The matter was mentioned by Senior Advocate Venkatesh Dhond before a bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Dipankar Datta. 

Senior Advocate Venkatesh Dhond, mentioning the matter on behalf of the State of Goa, stated– 

"This is the issue concerning divergence of three rivers near the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa. There was a tweet by the (Goa) Chief Minister as well."

The issue mentioned concerns the construction of dams on Mhadei river which will lead to diversion of Mhadei/Mandovi river system waters into the Malaprabha reservoir in Karnataka. 

CJI DY Chandrachud remarked that while he might not hear the dispute, he would assign a coram for the same. CJI DY Chandrachud stated that he would list the matter on 13th February. However, Senior Advocate Venkatesh Dhond pointed out that the divergence of the rivers would take place before 13th February. Accordingly, CJI DY Chandrachud stated that he would list the matter before 13th February. 

The Kalsa tributary begins in Karnataka and flows into Goa at Surla becoming Surla tributary that meets the main Mhadei river in Goa. The Bhandura nalla also begins in Karnataka and joins Mhadei. The state of Karnataka has now received permission to divert Kalsa, Hartal and Bhandura to Malprabha basin.