MAHADAYI TRIBUNAL

Mahadayi/Mandovi River:

• The Mahadayi/Mandovi River is described as the lifeline of the Indian state of Goa.
  
  
• It originates from a cluster of 30 springs at Bhimgad in the Western Ghats in the Belgaum district of Karnataka. Then it enters Goa and finally drains in Arabian sea.
  
  
• The Mandovi and the Zuari are the two primary rivers in the state of Goa.
  • Mandovi joins with the Zuari at a common point at Cabo Aguada, forming the Mormugao harbour.
    
    
  • The two rivers are linked by Cumbarjuem Canal.
    
    
  
  
  
• Panaji, the state capital and Old Goa, the former capital of Goa, are both situated on the left bank of the Mandovi.
  
  
• The river Mapusais a tributary of the Mandovi.
  
  
• Three large freshwater isles — Divar, Chorao and Vashee are present in the Mandovi near the town of Old Goa. The island of Choraois home to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, named after the renowned ornithologist Salim Ali.
  
  

Recent decision:

• The tribunal was constituted in 2010 to equitably allot Mahadayi water among Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.
  
  
• The three-member body, headed by Justice J.M. Panchal, recently submitted its report to Union Water Resources Minister.
  
  
• Recommendations:
  • Karnataka has been allocated 13.5tmcft of water, Goa has been 24tmcft while Maharashtra has been allocated 1.3tmcft.
    
    
  • The water sharing would have to be overseen by Central government agencies or a Mahadayi Water Management Authority (which could be framed on the lines of the recently constituted Cauvery Management Board).
    
    
  • The tribunal recommendations ought to be adhered to until August 2048.
    
    
  
  
  
• Goa had opposed any diversion to Karnataka on the grounds that it required water for its own needs