Goa's Ongoing Legal Battle Over Mhadei River Waters

The Goa government has not filed a separate Supreme Court application regarding the Mhadei river dispute in the past nine months. The case, impacted by the appointment of CJI Justice B R Gavai from Maharashtra, awaits direction after Goa contested Karnataka's diversion plan, seeking tribunal intervention.

The Goa government revealed in the legislative assembly that it has not sought a separate Supreme Court date on the Mhadei river water dispute in the past nine months. The contentious case remains pending before a bench led by the Chief Justice of India, according to the latest assembly session on Wednesday.

Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar responded to queries, emphasizing the Chief Justice's role in determining case schedules. The Supreme Court's order from November 2024 directed a new hearing date for January 2025, but it was postponed due to other priorities. Complicating matters, CJI Justice B R Gavai's Maharashtra ties stalled proceedings further.

Goa is challenging Karnataka's plan to divert water from the Mhadei basin to the Malaprabha basin. The dispute led to the 'Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal' formation in 2010, with a subsequent Supreme Court dismissal but allowed for further tribunal escalation. Legal actions continue with both Goa and Karnataka involved in this inter-state conflict over water rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)