CURRENT CONTEXT: The state of Goa is preparing to file a contempt petition in the Supreme Court against Karnataka for allegedly diverting water from the Mhadei River through the Kalasa-Banduri project.

 ABOUT MHADEI RIVER & DISPUTE:

• Origin: Jamboti Ghat, Karnataka.
• Flows through Goa and Maharashtra into the Arabian Sea.
• Kalasa-Banduri Project:
  • Diverts water from Mhadei’s tributaries to the Malaprabha River basin.
• Water Allocation (2018 Tribunal Award):
  • Goa: 24 tmcft
  • Karnataka: 5.4 tmcft
  • Maharashtra: 1.33 tmcft
• Dispute Highlights:
  • Goa alleges illegal water diversion, affecting Western Ghats ecology.
  • Karnataka defends the move citing tribunal approval and central clearance.
• The issue raises questions on federal rights, water sharing, and ecological balance.