Belagavi – August 2, 2025: Belagavi BJP MP and former Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar has strongly criticized Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant over recent remarks on the Mahadayi river water sharing issue.
In a video statement released on August 1, 2025, Shettar accused Sawant of spreading false information about the central government’s stance, urging both states to maintain good relations instead of escalating tensions.
Shettar, addressing the ongoing dispute, said he has raised the matter multiple times in Parliament and other forums. “A decision has been made regarding the sharing of Mahadayi water,” he stated, referring to the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal’s earlier ruling.
However, he condemned Sawant for claiming in the Goa assembly that Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav had assured no permission would be given to Karnataka for using the water. “This is not right, and I condemn it,” Shettar added, calling the statement misleading.
The Mahadayi river, which originates in Karnataka’s Western Ghats and flows into Goa as the Mandovi, has been a point of contention for decades. Karnataka seeks to divert about 7.56 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water for drinking purposes in drought-prone northern districts like Belagavi, Dharwad, and Gadag through the Kalasa-Banduri project. Goa opposes this, arguing it would harm its ecology, wildlife, and water supply.
The tribunal in 2018 allocated 13.42 TMC to Karnataka, 1.33 TMC to Maharashtra, and 24 TMC to Goa, but implementation has faced delays due to environmental clearances and legal challenges.
Shettar emphasized that relations between Karnataka and Goa remain strong and should not be damaged by such disputes. “We should not do anything to spoil it,” he said. He expressed optimism that internal pressures would resolve the confusion soon, fulfilling Karnataka’s demands. “Sooner or later, all confusions will be resolved, and Karnataka’s demand will be fulfilled,” he assured.
This comes amid recent developments, including a study by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in May 2025, which suggested Karnataka’s diversion plans would have minimal impact on Goa’s environment.
However, protests erupted in Goa over the report, with activists accusing it of bias toward Karnataka.
Goa has threatened to file a contempt plea in the Supreme Court against Karnataka for alleged water diversion activities.
Karnataka leaders, including Shettar, have called for dialogue to settle the issue amicably. The dispute highlights the challenges of interstate river water sharing in India, often involving political and environmental concerns. As of now, neither the Goa CM’s office nor the Union Environment Ministry has responded to Shettar’s comments.