River Mhadei's story in Goa is the one that can be gauged through its flow

SAVE MHADEI

This summer, the reduced water levels of River Mhadei speak of a number of challenges facing Goa.

VALID CONCERNS

Environmentalists have raised concerns that the Mhadei's flow rate is being impacted by infrastructure projects in neighbouring Karnataka.

FLOW MATTERS

They maintain that the speed of flow of water in the Mhadei has slowed down and it’s much slower than 40-50-km per hour in the past. This, they rue, has reduced the siltation, which is adversely affecting Goa’s marine life.

THE LIFEGIVER

Mhadei sustains the biodiversity of the state’s protected forests like Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem National Park, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

CHALLENGE AHEAD

Besides the reduced water levels, the rising heat has thrown another set of challenge after last year's raging forest fires.

THE IMPACT

Overall, the concerns raised by environmentalists about the impact of Karnataka's projects on the Mhadei's flow rate are valid.

WATER IS PRECIOUS

The future of the Mhadei river is uncertain. If the current trends continue, the river could dry up altogether. This would have a devastating impact on Goa's water supply, ecology, and economy.

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