Centre Returns Karnataka's Mahadayi Wildlife Clearance Bid, Cites Pending Court Case

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has returned Karnataka's proposal seeking wildlife clearance for the Kalasa-Bhanduri drinking water project in the Mahadayi river basin. In a letter to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that the matter is sub-judice and will be considered afresh in line with future Supreme Court directions.

Yadav's letter, dated December 23, 2025, noted that Karnataka had filed an interlocutory application in October 2023 challenging an order of the Chief Wildlife Warden of Goa. That order, issued on March 29, 2023, under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, is currently pending adjudication before the Supreme Court. The Centre observed that because the matter is before the apex court and involves inter-state issues, the wildlife clearance proposal has been returned to the state government at this stage.

Senior advocate Mohan Katarki, representing Karnataka in the Supreme Court, expressed surprise at the Centre's move. He argued that Goa's order was extra-territorial and contrary to the published award of the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal. 'The said letter was issued by Goa purportedly under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, but it was beyond the jurisdiction of the officer,' Katarki said. He confirmed that Karnataka would soon approach the Supreme Court for clarification.

The Mahadayi river, known as Mandovi in Goa, has been a source of conflict among Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra for decades. Karnataka's Kalasa-Bhanduri project aims to divert water from the Mahadayi to meet drinking water needs in northern Karnataka districts, including Belagavi, Dharwad, and parts of Gadag. Goa has opposed the project, citing ecological concerns and the impact on its riverine ecosystem.

This development adds another layer to the long-running legal and political dispute over sharing Mahadayi waters. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the matter in the coming sessions. Meanwhile, Karnataka continues to push for early clearance, emphasising the drinking water needs of its citizens.