NBWL Delays Decision on Forest Land Diversion for Karnatakas Kalasa Nala Project

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has deferred a decision on diverting forest land from Karnatakas Kali and Sahyadri tiger reserves for the Kalasa Nala water diversion project. The project aims to divert water from the Kali river basin to the deficit Malaprabha river basin. However, concerns have been raised regarding its potential impact on wildlife habitats and the ongoing legal challenges surrounding the project.

html

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has postponed a decision on diverting forest land from the Kali and Sahyadri tiger reserves for the construction of a portion of the Karnataka government's Kalasa Nala water diversion project.

Discussion at the Standing Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee of NBWL deliberated on the matter during a meeting held on January 30. According to the meeting minutes, the state government sought the diversion of 10.68 hectares of forest land from the tiger corridor between the Kali and Sahyadri tiger reserves. This land is required for constructing a diversion weir, jack well-cum-pump house, and an electrical substation, as well as laying a pipeline and power line for the Kalasa Nala Diversion Scheme in Khanapur Taluk of Belagavi district.

Recommendations and Comments

The Standing Committee was informed that the chief wildlife warden of Karnataka, the State Board for Wildlife, and the state government had recommended the proposal. However, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) did not provide any comments on the matter as it is currently sub-judice.

Deferral of the Proposal

Considering the sub-judice nature of the case and the need for further consultation, the Standing Committee decided to seek comments from the NTCA in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Consequently, the proposal was deferred for discussion in the next meeting.

Background: Kalasa-Banduri Project and Mahadayi River Dispute

The Kalasa-Banduri Project, initiated by the Karnataka government, aims to divert water from the Mahadayi river into the Malaprabha river within the state. This project is intended to enhance drinking water supply to several districts in Karnataka, including Dharwad, Belagavi, Bagalkote, and Gadag.

The Mahadayi river originates in Karnataka and flows through Goa before merging with the Arabian Sea. Known as Mandovi in Goa, it is one of the two major rivers of the western state. The diversion of Mahadayi water has been a contentious issue between Karnataka and Goa, with the latter expressing concerns about the potential impact on its flora and fauna.

The deferral of the decision on forest land diversion for the Kalasa Nala water diversion scheme highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding water resource management and environmental conservation in India. As the matter remains sub-judice, further discussions and consultations will be crucial in finding a resolution that balances the water needs of Karnataka with the ecological concerns raised by Goa.