JOIN USKarnataka has defended its Kalasa-Banduri project before the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal saying that the diversion of water was meant to cater to the drinking water needs of people in Hubli-Dharwad.
In a response to the notice, the State claimed that the diversions from Mahadayi to the Malaprabha basin are completely legal as it had been permitted by the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal.
The Tribunal had on September 6 issued notice to the State on an interim application filed by Goa seeking order to restrain Karnataka from proceeding with any planning, construction and water regulation of any projects in the Mandovi river basin until the inter-state river water disputes are adjudicated.
In its detailed reply prepared by advocate Brijesh Kalappa, the State said, “The Union Government had given its clearance for the said project on April 30, 2012 after considering the water availability angle in order to meet the drinking water needs of Hubli-Dharwad subject to certain conditions.”
Karnataka has share of waters not less than 45 tmc in the Mahadayi basin assessed by the Central Water Commission to range from 200 to 220 tmc, it pointed out, adding that no prejudice would be caused to Goa, which had existing requirement of only 1.5 tmc.
The Tribunal Bench is to hold the next hearing on the matter on October 8.