3 states, 1 river: Dharwad meet seeks end to Mahadayi row

Belagavi: In an effort to foster dialogue on the long-pending Malaprabha-Mahadayi river dispute, farmers, farmer leaders, environmental groups, legal experts, civil society representatives and subject specialists from Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra will participate in a two-day interstate consultation at Sevalaya in Dharwad on Oct 24 and 25.According to a release, the consultation aims to bring stakeholders from the three states together to discuss concerns over the proposed diversion of Mahadayi water and explore mutually acceptable solutions through dialogue and consensus.For decades, residents of the Malaprabha basin, particularly in Hubballi-Dharwad, Nargund, Navalgund, Ron and Badami, have faced recurring water shortages and sought a lasting solution. A key demand has been diversion of Mahadayi water to augment the Malaprabha basin and meet drinking water and irrigation needs.Meanwhile, communities in Goa have raised concerns over diversion of water from the Mandovi, known as Mahadayi in Karnataka, citing possible impact on river-dependent livelihoods and ecological balance. The issue has remained contentious for more than three decades, with legal proceedings and interstate negotiations yet to produce a comprehensive resolution.Nirmala Gowda of the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) said the consultation aims to provide a common platform for stakeholders to discuss their concerns, expectations and perspectives.“The objective is to create a space for meaningful dialogue in which diverse viewpoints can be heard and potential solutions explored collectively,” she said.The programme is being jointly organised by NAPM, SPARK Karnataka, Eco Watch, Sarvodaya Samaj, People First Foundation, Gandhi Shanti Pratishthan and the Hubballi-Dharwad Citizens’ Environment Committee, among others.Organisers hope the dialogue between affected communities, experts and representatives of the three states will improve understanding of competing concerns and help pave the way for a sustainable and equitable solution to the decades-old water dispute.Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news. Download the TOI App.