In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterated the state’s decision to withhold consent for the Goa-Tamnar powerline project until the Kalasa-Banduri Nala Diversion Scheme is granted necessary wildlife clearances. This project, crucial for providing drinking water to parts of Karnataka, has faced prolonged delays due to pending approvals from wildlife authorities.
Karnataka’s Conditional Reconsideration
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the Karnataka government had earlier reconsidered its position on the Goa-Tamnar transmission line project, based on assurances from the Prime Minister. “In his letter dated 1st August 2024, the Prime Minister had assured me that instead of 72,817 trees, only 13,954 trees would be cut for the project. Although cutting any trees in eco-sensitive zones is undesirable, Karnataka was prepared to give its approval in principle for the project in the interest of national development,” he wrote.
However, Siddaramaiah highlighted that Goa’s objection to the Kalasa-Banduri Nala Diversion Scheme, despite its minimal impact on wildlife, has caused Karnataka to rethink its stance. He urged the Prime Minister to personally intervene and ensure that the Kalasa project receives the necessary wildlife clearances from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), which Modi chairs.
Ongoing Delays for Kalasa-Banduri Nala Diversion Scheme
The Kalasa-Banduri Nala Diversion Scheme is aimed at diverting water from the Mahadayi river basin to meet the drinking water needs of the drought-prone regions of north Karnataka, including Belagavi, Dharwad, and Gadag districts. Despite being a critical project for Karnataka, it has faced numerous legal and administrative hurdles, particularly regarding environmental and wildlife clearances.
In his letter, Siddaramaiah expressed disappointment over the delay in receiving clearances from the NBWL. “The state government submitted a pre-feasibility report for the Kalasa-Banduri Nala Diversion Scheme to the Central Water Commission on 16th June 2022. However, to date, the National Board for Wildlife has not provided the necessary approval,” he added.
Goa’s Resistance and Legal Hurdles
Siddaramaiah also criticised the actions of Goa’s Chief Wildlife Warden, who had issued an order restricting Karnataka from undertaking any work related to the Kalasa project. He referred to this order as “illegal” and noted that Karnataka had challenged it in the Supreme Court. While the matter is sub-judice, the NBWL deferred any decision on Karnataka’s project but proceeded to recommend wildlife clearance for the Goa section of the Goa-Tamnar transmission line.
The chief minister questioned the inconsistency in the NBWL’s approach, arguing that the Kalasa project was equally deserving of consideration, especially since it has faced fewer environmental disruptions than Goa’s objection suggests. “If the Goa-Tamnar project can be granted wildlife clearance, it stands to reason that the Kalasa project, which will benefit millions of people in Karnataka, should not face further delays,” he added.
The Importance of Kalasa for Karnataka
The Kalasa-Banduri project has been a long-standing demand in Karnataka, particularly in the drought-prone districts of north Karnataka. The project, which was first proposed over a decade ago, aims to utilise the surplus water from the Mahadayi river for drinking purposes. The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal awarded Karnataka a share of 13.42 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water, but the state is still awaiting the necessary environmental and wildlife clearances to begin work.
Siddaramaiah’s letter to the Prime Minister reflects the growing frustration in Karnataka over the delay in clearing this vital project. The chief minister stressed that while Karnataka was willing to reconsider its decision on the Goa-Tamnar project, the central government must ensure that the Kalasa-Banduri project receives the attention and clearances it deserves.
Conclusion
As the dispute between Goa and Karnataka over water resources continues to simmer, the Kalasa-Banduri Nala Diversion Scheme remains a crucial issue for both states. Karnataka, having met several conditions for environmental clearances, is now pushing for the Prime Minister’s intervention to break the deadlock. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s letter marks another chapter in this long-standing battle, as Karnataka waits for approval to move forward with a project that could alleviate the water crisis in the region.