Why in news? Central Water Commission (CWC) approved the  revised Detailed Project Reports (DPR) of Bhandura and Kalasa schemes in Mahadayi basin, now the challenge is for the state government to obtain Forest and Environment clearances.

Highlights:

• Fresh Detailed Project Report is submitted by Karnataka to the CWC with the reduced ecological damage compared to previous DPR
• The project required over 61 hectares forest land falls within core area of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Belagavi district.
• The state has to clarify its stand on forest, environment and wildlife clearances before the different boards in the Ministry of Environment and Forests for seeking approval

What is the  Central Water Commission stand?

CWC stated in its report that

• Its approval subject to the  Supreme Court judgement on pending petitions filed by Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra against final award of MWDT.
• Karnataka has to ensure environment flow in Mahadayi river as per the MWDT final award.
• Withdrawal of water from Mahadayi by all basin states including Karnataka as per the consultation with the Mahadayi Water Management Authority

What is the revised DPR ?

• As per the revised DPRs, the state government would build smaller dams at Kalasa and Bhandura and construct lift irrigation and transport water through pipes than open canals.
• Diversion of forest land is required only 61 hectares in latest DPR against earlier DPR’s 349 hectares.
• A small dam will be built and water from Mahadayi basin to be transferred to Malaprabha river by lifting and through a piped system
• In the alternative plan, the height of the dam will be 11 meter against the previous 28 metres.
• The cost of the revised projects would be around Rs 1760 crore against previous DPR Rs 1,677.30 crore.

About Kalasa-Banduri Nala project

• Target districts : Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad and Gadag
• It involves building across Kalasa and Banduri, two tributaries of the Mahadayi river to divert 7.56 TMC of water to the Malaprabha river
• Decided: During Ex- CM S M Krishna’s regime
• Central government issued a gazette notification on 2020 permitting the Karnataka state to draw 13.42 tmcft of water from the Mahadayi river out of which 8 tmcft is for power generation
• Mahadayi Water Tribunal under Interstate River Water Disputes Act has been constituted to decide the sharing of the river waters by the riparian states.

About Mandovi River(Mahadayi or Mhadei river)

• Source: Bhimgad
• It is described as the lifeline of state of Goa.
• Primary rivers: Mandovi and the Zuari.
• Mandovi joins with the Zuari at a common creek at Cabo Aguada, forming the Mormugao harbour.
• City : Panaji, on the left bank of the Mandovi.
• State: Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra

About Malaprabha River

• is a tributary of the Krishna River
• It rises in the Western Ghats in Belgaum district.
• Source location: Kanakumbi, Belgaum District
• Mouth : Joins Krishna River at Kudalasangama in Bagalkot district
• Major tributaries: Bennihalla, Hirehalla and Tuparihalla
• Reservoir: Navilatirtha Dam and reservoir created by the dam is called Renukasagara
• Pilgrimage centre: Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami are on the banks of the Malaprabha.
• It is a source of highly stable mineral water.