What is Karnataka’s Kalasa-Banduri Project? – Complete Details – 10 key Facts – UPSC Questions
Table of Contents
Why Karnataka’s Kalasa-Banduri Project in News?
Karnataka’s Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project is making headlines as the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) postponed a decision on the state’s request to use forest land for the irrigation initiative in the Mahadayi basin.
The project aims to tackle water scarcity in northern Karnataka by diverting water from Kalasa and Banduri streams to the Malaprabha River. The delay is attributed to legal complexities and the absence of approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
This postpone has raised concerns about the potential environmental impact and intensified the ongoing dispute among riparian states, with Goa expressing opposition to the project. The Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project remains a focal point due to its significance in addressing water challenges, legal intricacies, and the need for wildlife and environmental approvals.
Source – The Hindu
What is Karnataka’s Kalasa-Banduri Project? – Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project
The Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project in Karnataka is a significant water diversion scheme designed to address water scarcity issues in the northern regions of the state. The project involves diverting water from the Kalasa and Banduri tributaries of the Mahadayi River to the Malaprabha River, with the primary goal of this scheme is to providing a sustainable water supply to towns in Belagavi, Gadag, Bagalkot, and the twin cities of Hubballi and Dharwad.
The proposed construction includes multiple barrages, a diversion weir, jack well-cum-pump house, electrical substation, pipeline, and power line in the Khanapur taluk of Belagavi district. Estimated at around ₹420 crore, the project has faced controversy and opposition, particularly from the neighboring state of Goa.
Goa has raised environmental concerns, asserting that the water diversion could impact the natural flow of the Mahadayi River and harm the local ecology.
The Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project has undergone various approval processes, including discussions at the Central Water Commission and the Mahadayi Inter-State River Water Dispute Tribunal.
Recently, it gained attention as the National Board for Wildlife deferred a decision on Karnataka’s application for the diversion of forest land for the project, citing legal matters and the absence of approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The project’s fate remains subject to ongoing debates, legal proceedings, and environmental considerations.
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Objectives of Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project
The Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project in Karnataka has several key objectives. Here are the primary objectives of the project:
- Water Supply: The main goal of the Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project is to provide a sustainable and reliable water supply to the towns and cities in northern Karnataka, including Belagavi, Gadag, Bagalkot, Hubballi, and Dharwad.
- Irrigation: The diverted water from the Kalasa and Banduri tributaries is intended to be used for irrigation purposes.
- Infrastructure Development: The construction of barrages, diversion weirs, pump houses, electrical substations, pipelines, and power lines as part of the project involves significant infrastructure development.
- Economic Benefits: By improving water availability for agriculture and urban areas, the Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project seeks to generate economic benefits. Increased agricultural productivity and better water supply to cities can positively impact the local economy, fostering growth and development.
- Regional Equity: The project aims to address regional imbalances in water distribution, ensuring that northern Karnataka receives a fair share of water resources.
Benefits of Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project – Pros and Cons of Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project
We have added both Positive and Negative Points of Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project below –
| Pros | Cons |
| Provide drinking water to millions in water-scarce regions of Karnataka | Reduce water availability in Goa, potentially impacting agriculture and ecology |
| Improve irrigation potential in Karnataka, boosting agricultural productivity | Potential negative environmental impacts like damage to forests and wildlife habitats |
| Generate hydropower, providing a renewable energy source for Karnataka | Social impacts like displacement of communities and disruption of traditional livelihoods in both Karnataka and Goa |
| Address water scarcity issues in Karnataka | Increased inter-state water disputes and tensions |
What is National Board for Wildlife in India?
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) in India is the apex body responsible for all wildlife-related matters. Here’s a breakdown of its key aspects:
Purpose
- Promote wildlife conservation and development of wildlife and forests.
- Advise the central government on policy matters related to wildlife conservation.
- Approve projects (including government projects) in and around protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Key Features
- Statutory body: Established under Section 5A of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Composition: Chaired by the Prime Minister, includes Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of all states and union territories, experts, and NGOs.
- Functions: Grants approvals for development activities, reviews wildlife conservation policies, and provides guidance on wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
- Significance: Plays a crucial role in balancing development needs with wildlife conservation efforts in India.
Additional facts
- NBWL was constituted in 2003, replacing the Indian Board for Wildlife established in 1952.
- Its meetings are generally held once or twice a year.
- Decisions are considered advisory, but they hold significant weight in shaping wildlife conservation policies and projects.
What is Mahadayi River & How it links with Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project in Karnataka?
The Mahadayi River, originating in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, traverses through Goa and Maharashtra before joining the Arabian Sea.
Spanning approximately 77.4 kilometers, the river is pivotal for water supply and irrigation along its course. Known as the Mandovi River in Goa, it holds significance for its ecological importance and scenic beauty.
The Mahadayi River is intricately linked to the Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project in Karnataka. The project aims to address water scarcity in the northern regions of the state by diverting water from the Kalasa and Banduri tributaries of the Mahadayi to the Malaprabha River. This proposed water diversion has sparked a contentious water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Goa, with concerns raised by Goa about potential environmental impacts, including alterations to the natural flow and ecology of the Mahadayi River.
Key Points on Karnataka’s Kalasa-Banduri Project
These are the few key points on Karnataka’s Kalasa-Banduri Project
- Water Diversion Objective: The Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project in Karnataka is primarily aimed at diverting water from the Kalasa and Banduri tributaries of the Mahadayi River to the Malaprabha River to address water scarcity in the northern regions of the state.
- Geographical Scope: The project is centered in the Khanapur taluk of Belagavi district, involving construction activities such as barrages, diversion weirs, pump houses, electrical substations, pipelines, and power lines.
- Cost Estimates: The estimated cost of the Kalasa Nala project alone is around ₹420 crore, reflecting the substantial investment required for the water diversion scheme.
- Beneficiary Regions: Towns and cities in northern Karnataka, including Belagavi, Gadag, Bagalkot, Hubballi, and Dharwad, are expected to benefit from the increased water supply facilitated by the project.
- Agricultural Impact: The project aims to support agricultural activities by providing irrigation water from the diverted streams, contributing to enhanced crop yields and the overall livelihood of farmers in the region.
- Environmental Controversy: The Kalasa-Banduri Project has faced opposition, particularly from the state of Goa, raising concerns about potential environmental impacts, including alterations to the natural flow of the Mahadayi River and harm to local ecosystems.
- Legal Disputes: The project is entangled in legal complexities, with the National Board for Wildlife deferring a decision on forest land diversion due to pending court matters and the absence of approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
- Inter-State Water Dispute: The project has become a focal point in the Mahadayi River water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Goa, reflecting broader interstate conflicts over water resources.
- Infrastructure Development: The Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project involves significant infrastructure development, contributing to the modernization and regional growth of the areas it encompasses.
- Riparian State Dynamics: The project highlights the challenges and negotiations involved in balancing the water needs of riparian states, underscoring the complex interplay between developmental projects, environmental concerns, and interstate cooperation.
Key Facts on Karnataka’s Kalasa-Banduri Project
We have added a few set of facts & respective detail about Karnataka’s Kalasa-Banduri Project below-
| Point | Description |
| Launched | Proposed in the 1980s, construction began in 2023 by the Karnataka government. |
| Initiated by | Karnataka government. |
| Goal | Divert water from Mahadayi River (Goa) to Malaprabha River (Karnataka) to address water scarcity for drinking and irrigation in northern Karnataka districts. |
| Potential Benefits | – Drinking water: Millions in water-scarce regions of Karnataka. – Irrigation: Improved potential in Karnataka, boosting agricultural productivity. – Hydropower: Generation of renewable energy for Karnataka. |
| Estimated Cost | Approximately ₹420 crore (as of 2023). |
| Controversy | Goa opposes the project, contending it diverts water from its rivers, impacting ecology and water availability. |
| Goa’s Opposition | Alleges the project violates the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal award, leading to potential environmental damage, social displacement, and economic losses. |
| Environmental Concerns | Potential adverse effects on forests, wildlife habitats, and riverine ecosystems in both states. |
| Current Status | Construction is underway in Karnataka despite facing legal challenges from Goa. |
| Future Scope | The project’s future hinges on the Supreme Court verdict, striving to balance water needs with environmental and social considerations. |
FAQs / UPSC Questions on Karnataka’s Kalasa-Banduri Project
Question-1: What is the Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project in Karnataka?
Answer. It is a water diversion initiative addressing northern Karnataka’s water scarcity by redirecting Mahadayi River tributaries.
Question-2: Why did the National Board for Wildlife defer the decision on the project?
Answer. The NBWL cited pending court matters and lack of approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
Question-3: What is the significance of the proposed forest land use?
Answer. It involves 11 hectares in a tiger corridor between Kali and Sahyadri tiger reserves.
Question-4: What are the key components of the Kalasa Nala Diversion Scheme?
Answer. Components include a diversion weir, pump house, substation, pipeline, and power line.
Question-5: Why was the proposal deferred for the next meeting?
Answer. The NBWL seeks comments from the National Tiger Conservation Authority per Wildlife Protection Act.
Question-6: What is Goa’s stance on the project?
Answer. Goa opposes, fearing reduced Mahadayi inflow and damage to ecology.
Question-7: How long has the fight for the project been ongoing?
Answer. Over 30 years, according to advocate Vijay Kulkarni.
Question-8: What is the total scope of the project in terms of water diversion?
Answer. It diverts water from Kalasa and Banduri nalas into the Malaprabha for northern Karnataka’s drinking water supply.
Question-9: When did the Central Water Commission approve the project in principle?
Answer. In 2022, following decades of preparation and discussions.
Question-10: What determines the project’s future?
Answer. The Supreme Court verdict, balancing water needs with environmental and social considerations.
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