‘Goa vigilant on steps taken by neighbouring state’
Panaji: Water Resources Department Minister Subhash Shirodkar has clarified that no new diversion or illegal works, including the laying of underground conduits on the Mhadei river has been undertaken by Karnataka since July 22, 2025.
As regards the eight projects in the Mhadei basin, Shirodkar said the work order for consultancy for six dams, namely Nirankal, Rivem, Nanoda, Sonal-I, Matojanwada and Bolkarne (Ragada-III), is in the process of being finalised.
In a reply tabled in the Goa Legislative Assembly on Wednesday to a question asked by Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, the minister stated that the state government is pursuing its remedies in respect of past instances of the Mhadei river diversion, and has filed an interim relief before the Supreme Court to bring on record new documents which were discovered by the legal team.
Since no diversion or illegal works have been undertaken by Karnataka since July 22, 2025, no specific measures were required to be taken up with the Mahadayi Progressive River Authority for Welfare and Harmony (PRAWAH) during the period, he said.
The WRD Minister maintained that the state government is taking all necessary precautions and measures to remain vigilant with respect to all steps undertaken by Karnataka and to actively oppose any projects proposed by the neighbouring state so as to ensure that no such works receive approval from PRAWAH, which is a statutory authority constituted for the implementation of the Mahadayi (Mhadei) Water Disputes Tribunal Award and for regulation and monitoring of compliance by the states concerned.
He also informed that the state has decided to take up eight water storage projects in the Mhadei basin to augment Goa’s water security, with a proposed cumulative storage of about 9 TMC.
In respect of the Charawane minor irrigation dam in Sattari taluka, the project was taken up in 2007 to create a storage of 230 hectare metres at an estimated cost of Rs 15.06 crore.
“The work was subsequently stalled due to issues raised by the Forest Department. The project is presently under review and will be taken up in due course, subject to statutory clearances,” he added.
