Bommai Confirms Ongoing Efforts for Mahadayi Project Approval

Speedy Summary:

• BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai met with farmers protesting over the Mahadayi project in Navalgund, Dharwad district.
• Efforts are being made to secure clearance for the project from the National Board for Wildlife.
• Mr. Bommai condemned Goa Chief Minister’s claim that the Union Minister assured no permission would be granted for the Mahadayi project, calling it incorrect.
• He reiterated that Karnataka’s interests will be protected and criticized Goa’s stance of using wildlife protection as an obstruction.
• As Water Resources Minister earlier, ₹300 crore was allocated to initiate canal construction under this project, linking Kalasa canal with Banduri stream now requires further action from Karnataka’s state government under Siddaramaiah’s leadership.
• BJP was credited for earlier environmental clearances and gazette notifications related to the project during its tenure at both state and central levels.
• A delegation including Mr. Bommai is set to meet with the Union Minister this week to expedite clearances.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The contentious Mahadayi river water-sharing dispute continues to stoke regional tensions between Karnataka and Goa as both states advocate conflicting priorities: development versus ecological conservation. While Basavaraj Bommai emphasizes steps already taken by BJP governments at various levels, addressing remaining hurdles requires greater collaboration rather than conflict between involved stakeholders-state governments, farmer communities, and environmental agencies alike.

Given that prior phases like Kalasa canal’s initial progress hint towards incomplete political or bureaucratic continuity momentum & visible inter coinciding-again rights adjacent Redobust