The Mhadei Movement in Goa revolves around the contentious issue of sharing the waters of the Mhadei River (also known as the Mandovi River) between Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra .
Key Points of the Mhadei Movement:
- Conflict over Water Sharing: The dispute primarily involves Goa and Karnataka, with Goa opposing Karnataka’s plans to construct dams on the Mhadei River . Goa fears that these dams will reduce the river’s flow into the state, impacting its environment, agriculture, and water supply .
- Environmental Concerns: Environmental activists argue that infrastructure development activities, like dams, will disturb the ecosystem where tigers roam . They emphasize the importance of protecting the Western Ghats in Goa, which includes the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahavir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary .
- Demand for Tiger Reserve: Environmentalists have been advocating for the declaration of a tiger reserve in Goa to protect the tiger habitat and prevent encroachment and harmful industrial activities .
- Government Stance: There have been conflicting views within the government, with some officials claiming that a tiger reserve is unnecessary because Goa does not have a resident tiger population . However, environmentalists argue that the area is an important corridor for tiger movement .
- Legal Actions: In 2020, an NGO, the Goa Foundation, approached the Bombay High Court at Goa, seeking the notification of a tiger reserve in the state . The petition is still pending in court .
- Historical Context: The effort to create a tiger reserve in the Mhadei region began in earnest in 2011, but progress has been slow due to bureaucratic delays and opposition from various stakeholders .
- Environmental Impact: Construction of dams on the Mhadei river could lead to ecological disturbance .
- Water Security: Mhadei movement Concerns about reduced water flow into Goa as a result of dams built by Karnataka
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