Mahadayi River: Origin Map | Tributaries & Dams

The Mahadayi River, also known as the Mandovi River, is a significant river that runs through the Indian states of Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. It originates in the Western Ghats and flows for about 81 kilometers before emptying into the Arabian Sea. The river plays a vital role in the lives of millions of people in the region, serving as a source of drinking water, and irrigation, and supporting the tourism industry.

The Mahadayi River is also a natural wonder, with its banks home to diverse flora and fauna, including many endangered species. Unfortunately, the river has also been at the center of a long-standing dispute between the states of Goa and Karnataka over the sharing of water. While the situation remains challenging, efforts are underway to address the issue and promote the sustainable management and conservation of the Mahadayi River.

The Mahadayi River has immense cultural and historical significance, with several ancient temples, forts, and other important landmarks situated along its banks. The river has been the lifeline of the region for centuries, supporting the growth and development of numerous civilizations.

Mahadayi River

Here are some important facts about the Mahadayi River in points:

• The Mahadayi River is also known as the Mandovi River.
• It originates in the Western Ghats from the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in the Belgaum district of Karnataka.
• The river is formed by the confluence of two rivers – the Daddi and the Markandeya.
• It flows for about 81 km before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
• The Zuari River meets the Arabian Sea at Cabo Aguada, forming the Mormugao harbor.
• The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is situated on the island of Chorao, which is located in the Mandovi River.
• The Mahadayi River is of great importance to the states of Goa and Karnataka, serving as a source of water for drinking, irrigation, and tourism.
• The river is home to diverse flora and fauna, including many endangered species.
• The Mahadayi River dispute is a long-standing issue between the states of Goa and Karnataka over the sharing of water.
• The river has immense cultural and historical significance, with several ancient temples, forts, and landmarks situated along its banks.
• Efforts are underway to promote sustainable management and conservation of the Mahadayi River.

List of Dams on the Mahadayi River

There are several dams constructed on the Mahadayi River to cater to the water requirements of the states through which the river flows. Here are some of the major dams on the Mahadayi River:

• The Hidkal Dam: Located in the Belagavi district of Karnataka, the Hidkal Dam is a major irrigation project on the Mahadayi River. It has a capacity of 130 TMC and is used for irrigation, drinking water supply, and power generation.
• The Anjunem Dam: Located in the Sattari taluka of Goa, the Anjunem Dam is a gravity dam built across the Mahadayi River. It has a capacity of 0.20 TMC and is used for drinking water supply and irrigation.
• The Selaulim Dam: Located in South Goa, the Selaulim Dam is a multipurpose project built across the tributary of the Mahadayi River, the Selaulim River. It has a capacity of 24.8 TMC and is used for drinking water supply and irrigation.
• The Virdi Dam: Located in the Belagavi district of Karnataka, the Virdi Dam is a minor irrigation project on the Mahadayi River. It has a capacity of 1.15 TMC and is used for irrigation.

These dams play a crucial role in meeting the water requirements of the regions through which the River flows. However, they have also raised concerns regarding their environmental impact and the need for sustainable management of the river’s water resources.

Tributaries of the Mahadayi River

Left Bank Tributaries	Right Bank Tributaries
Daddi River	Tambaraparani River
Malaprabha River	Bainganga River
Markandeya River	Wardha River

Left Bank Tributaries

1. Daddi River: The Daddi River is one of the major tributaries of the Mahadayi River, originating in the Western Ghats. It flows through the Belagavi district of Karnataka and joins the Mahadayi River near the town of Haliyal. The Daddi River is a seasonal river and is known for its scenic beauty.
2. Malaprabha River: The Malaprabha River is another major tributary that originates in the Sahyadri Mountains and flows through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa before joining the Arabian Sea. The Malaprabha River has a total length of 304 km and is used for irrigation, drinking water supply, and power generation.
3. Markandeya River: The Markandeya River is a tributary of the Malaprabha River and is also a major tributary of the Mahadayi River. It originates in the Western Ghats and flows through the states of Karnataka and Goa before joining the Malaprabha River.

Right Bank Tributaries

1. Tambaraparani River: The Tambaraparani River is a major river in Tamil Nadu and Kerala and is one of the major right-bank tributaries of the Mahadayi River. It originates in the Agasthyamalai Hills and flows through the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala before joining the Gulf of Mannar. The Tambaraparani River is used for irrigation and drinking water supply.
2. Bainganga River: The Bainganga River is another major right-bank tributary of the Mahadayi River. It originates in the hills of Chhattisgarh and flows through the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh before joining the Wainganga River. The Bainganga River is used for irrigation, drinking water supply, and power generation.
3. Wardha River: The Wardha River is a major river in central India and is also a right-bank tributary of the Mahadayi River. It originates in the Satpura Range and flows through the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh before joining the Wainganga River. The Wardha River is used for irrigation and drinking water supply.

These left and right bank tributaries play a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of the Mahadayi River and the regions that depend on it.

Significance of Mahadayi River

The Mahadayi River and its tributaries have significant ecological importance due to their rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. Here are some of the ecological aspects related to the river:

1. Flora and Fauna: The river and its surrounding areas are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The region is known for its dense forests and wildlife sanctuaries, including the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mollem National Park. The river supports a rich aquatic ecosystem, with several species of fish and other aquatic animals.
2. Wetlands: The Mahadayi River and its tributaries have several wetlands, which are important for maintaining the ecological balance of the region. These wetlands provide a habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species and also help in groundwater recharge.
3. Endemic Species: The Mahadayi River basin is home to several endemic species, including the Mahseer fish, the Malabar Tree Toad, and the Malabar Grey Hornbill. These species are found only in this region and are therefore considered to be of high conservation value.
4. Conservation Efforts: Due to its ecological significance, the Mahadayi River and its surrounding areas have been the focus of several conservation efforts. The government and non-governmental organizations have taken steps to protect the river and its ecosystems, including setting up wildlife reserves, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and implementing river conservation plans.

Cultural Importance

The Mahadayi River and its tributaries have significant cultural importance for the people living in the surrounding areas. Here are some of the cultural aspects related to the river:

1. Festivals: Many festivals are celebrated on the banks of the Mahadayi River and its tributaries. One such festival is the Mahashivratri, which is celebrated on the banks of the Markandeya River in Karnataka. Another festival is the Shigmo festival, which is celebrated in Goa during the spring season.
2. Religious Significance: The Mahadayi River has religious significance for many Hindus. The river is associated with Lord Shiva and is considered to be a sacred place for pilgrimage. Many temples and shrines are located on the banks of the river, including the famous Mahadeva Temple in Keri, Goa.
3. Folklore: The Mahadayi River and its tributaries have been mentioned in many local folklores and stories. One such story is about the origin of the Daddi River, which is believed to have been created by Lord Rama when he shot an arrow into the ground to create a water source for his army during his exile.
4. Agriculture: The Mahadayi River and its tributaries play a vital role in the agricultural practices of the region. The river provides water for irrigation, which is essential for the cultivation of crops such as rice, sugarcane, and vegetables.

Mahadayi River Dispute

The Mahadayi River dispute is an ongoing conflict between the Indian states of Karnataka and Goa over the sharing of water from the Mahadayi River. The river originates in the Western Ghats in Karnataka and flows westward into Goa before emptying into the Arabian Sea. The dispute primarily revolves around the construction of the Kalasa-Banduri dam project, which aims to divert water from the Mahadayi River to the Malaprabha River basin in Karnataka.

Karnataka has argued that the project is necessary to address the water scarcity in the region and to meet the increasing demand for irrigation and drinking water. However, Goa has opposed the project, stating that it will adversely affect the ecological balance of the river and impact the livelihoods of the people dependent on the river.

The dispute has been ongoing for several years, with both states taking legal and political measures to protect their interests. In 2018, the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal awarded Karnataka 13.42 TMC of water from the Mahadayi River, while denying their claim for an additional 5 TMC. However, Goa has continued to oppose the project and has sought the intervention of the Supreme Court of India to resolve the dispute.

The Mahadayi River dispute has not only been a source of tension between the two states but has also affected the people dependent on the river for their livelihoods. The conflict highlights the need for effective water management policies and mechanisms for resolving interstate disputes in India.

Kalasa – Banduri Project

• The Kalasa-Banduri Nala project is a proposed river diversion project that seeks to divert water from the Mahadayi River to the Malaprabha River in Karnataka.
• The project involves building barrages and canals to divert 7.56 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water from the Mahadayi River to the Malaprabha River.
• The project is aimed at meeting the water demands of the drought-prone regions of north Karnataka, particularly the districts of Belagavi, Dharwad, and Gadag.
• The project has been a source of controversy and dispute between the states of Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra for several years.
• The Government of Goa has opposed the project, arguing that it will cause ecological damage to the Mahadayi River and harm the livelihoods of people dependent on the river.
• The Government of Karnataka has argued that the project is essential for meeting the water demands of its people and has sought the intervention of the central government to resolve the issue.
• The Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal was set up by the central government to adjudicate the dispute between the states of Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra regarding the sharing of the Mahadayi River waters.
• The Tribunal’s decision is still awaited, and the project remains in limbo, with both Goa and Karnataka continuing to assert their respective positions on the issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Mahadayi River is an important river in South India that originates in Karnataka and flows into Goa before joining the Arabian Sea. The river and its tributaries have significant cultural and ecological significance, supporting diverse flora and fauna and providing livelihoods to the people in the surrounding areas.

The river is also the subject of an ongoing dispute between Karnataka and Goa over the sharing of water, highlighting the need for effective water management policies and mechanisms for resolving interstate conflicts.

Efforts are being made by the government and non-governmental organizations to protect the ecological balance of the river and promote sustainable practices. The conservation of the river and its ecosystems is crucial not only for the survival of various species but also for the well-being of the people dependent on the river. Therefore, it is essential that all stakeholders work together toward the sustainable use and management of this vital resource.

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