Digital Goa, Oct 12 – Karnataka government has reiterated before the Center on October 6, 2025, that there is no legal impediment to granting clearances for the Kalasa-Bhandura water diversion project, despite Goa’s objections. In its reply to the Union Environment Ministry’s EDS(Essential Details Sought) over the project, Karnataka said it has challenged the March 29, 2023, order of Goa’s Chief Wildlife Warden restraining work on the project, arguing that the Goa official has no jurisdiction beyond the state’s boundaries. Karnataka maintained that the order “has no operational effect” and that Central authorities are free to take decisions on the project’s merits. The MoEF&CC had through the EDS sought an update from Karnataka on the case status and any Supreme Court directions. The project proposes diversion of 28.44 hectares of forest land in Nerase, Mantharga, Bacholi and Haruri Villages of Khanapur Taluk in Belgaum District under Bhandura Nala Diversion Scheme, categorized as a drinking water project. Karnataka has also said it has decided to allocate 5 percent of the project amount (₹32.85 crore) for wildlife conservation as per directions given by Regional Empowered Committee (REC).
