3 days ago
Mhadei water diversion to hit flow of Dudhsagar: Green plan
Panaji:
The first ever Goa State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (GSBSAP) draft, opened recently by the state for public consultation, confirms the fear long held by Goans.
Experts, who have prepared the report have confirmed the imminent threat to Goa's majestic and multi-tiered Dudhsagar waterfall due to the proposed diversion of waters from the Mhadei tributaries by Karnataka.
The plan states that the diversion will adversely impact the flow of water in the Dudhsagar river and the waterfall, which could alter the flora and fauna around it.
'Diversion of Mhadei will reduce the water in the waterfall, a threat to ecotourism and biodiversity around the Dudhsagar and waterfall.
Availability of water for plants and animals will reduce and the aesthetic value of Dudhsagar waterfall will reduce,' the plan states.
'Availability of water for flora and fauna will reduce and competition for the bioresource will increase resulting in decrease in population. Change in prey and predator ratio and reduction in floral population.'
Karnataka, which is actively working to divert the Kalasa and the Bandhura, has long held plans, from 1988, to divert 3.85tmc ft water from the Katla and the Palna tributaries of the Dudhsagar river.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Karnataka intends to divert this water into its Supa reservoir in Kali basin.
Katla and Palna are the main tributaries that feed the Dudhsagar waterfalls.
Karnataka is also eyeing another 1.06tmc ft water from other sources of the Dudhsagar for diversion into the Supa reservoir.
Though Goa govt has already stated its objections to the plans and they have not been approved by the Mhadei Water Disputes Tribunal, during the 2014 assembly session, Karnataka stated its intentions to construct four dams in the upper reaches of the Dudhsagar on the Katla, the Palna, the Diggi-Marra and the Diggi-Bondeli.
Experts in the Goa biodiversity plan have now recommended that firstly more research be carried out to understand the Dudhsagar waterfall and Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary in Mollem. They have acknowledged that more research is required on Mhadei and its catchment area as well.
Dudhsagar waterfalls in Mollem attracts lakhs of domestic and foreign tourists every year, which offers the primary source of livelihood for the locals living in surrounding villages.
'Assessment of research and review papers about Mhadei and the wildlife sanctuary needed in collaboration between educational institutions and involvement of National Institute of Oceanography,' states the plan.
