‘Seven secrets’ of the final verdict of Mahadayi Tribunal

The Mahadayi Tribunal created a storm in Karnataka by refusing the release of water to Karnataka from the Mahadayi River. Let’s have a look at the seven reasons specified by the tribunal:

1) Karnataka's claim: No permanent work (for example, a dam) is needed

Tribunal's ruling:  It is not possible to derive 7 tmc water from the river without building a dam. The distance between the Mahadayi and Malaprabha rivers is huge. So, some form of permanent work is a must to divert the flow of the rivers. 

2) Karnataka: No special permissions are needed

Tribunal:  According to the Water Act 1974, Environment Protection Act 1986 and Wildlife Protection Act 1972, such projects must get a prior permission from the Centre or from the Green Tribunal

3) Karnataka: The water from the Mahadayi is wasted as it flows in to the sea

Tribunal:  Scientifically, water vaporises and results in clouds  - bringing rains. Naturally, water from most of the rivers join the sea. It is natural for the states to use this water passing through their land. But if permission is given to use most of the water for irrigation, it will have affect adversely life in the Mahadayi delta and surrounding areas. 

4) Karnataka: Ample water is available in the three valleys of the Mahadayi river

Tribunal:  The availability of excess water in the three valleys of the Mahadayi river has not been proved. If 7 tmc water is pulled out when there is no additional storage, it will have an impact on the ground water level. Karnataka should understand the science of flowing rivers.

5) Karnataka: We need water for drinking and irrigation purposes

Tribunal: In a report submitted in 2015, the Karnataka government had stated the 7 tmc water will be used for drinking and irrigation purposes. But the same was not mentioned in the report submitted in 2016. Karnataka has also failed to put forward a concrete plan for lift irrigation.

6) Karnataka: No references required from other authorities 

Tribunal: The Supreme Court had ruled in the Krishna River water dispute that states cannot take up any project without getting permission from the Centre and valley states. So, without  permission from the respective authorities, we cannot agree to the request.

7) Karnataka: Mahadayi water will be lifted only when needed

Tribunal: The inflow of water can be measured only at the end of the month. So, Karnataka’s request to be allowed to lift water in some months, as needed, cannot be honoured.

From these replies, it would appear that Karnataka either did not present its case with sufficient backing and facts or generally had a weak case from the start. The water of the Mahadayi will certainly improve the lives of lakhs of Kannadigas. However, the call of the hour now seems to be to build a better case.