Overview The Save North Karnataka Citizens Alliance has released a report addressing the potential impacts of the Mahadayi basin projects . The report raises concerns that allowing river diversion schemes in the region could significantly damage the Western Ghats and lead to the drying up of rivers in North Karnataka . This analysis is crucial for understanding the environmental and socio-economic implications of such large-scale projects. Key Findings of the Report The comprehensive report focuses on the Bandura Nala Mahadayi river diversion project and the increasing desertification of northern Karnataka. It is a collaborative effort involving over 30 organisations and 60 individuals , including environmentalists, social activists, retired officials, and writers. The report emphasizes the need for concerted efforts to protect the Western Ghats and its rivers. Environmental Impact: The report cautions that river diversion projects could lead to the drying up of the northern Karnataka region. Target Audience: The report is intended for policy-makers, administrators, elected representatives, socio-cultural community heads, grassroots influencers, members of project-affected communities, bureaucrats, and the general public, particularly in Belagavi, Bagalkot, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Gadag districts . Project Focus: The analysis specifically addresses the Bhandura Nala Diversion Project , examining its ecological, economic, socio-cultural, legal, scientific, and technical aspects. Long-Term Viability: The report concludes that the project is untenable in the long term and could accelerate desertification in North Karnataka and the Malaprabha Basin . Details of the Mahadayi River Diversion Project The Mahadayi River Diversion Project aims to replenish the Malaprabha river through inter-basin transfer. It is located in the Western Ghats forest of Khanapur taluk in Belagavi District . The project is viewed by the agricultural community at the tail-end of the left bank canal of Navliuteertha Dam on the Malaprabha as a solution to their irrigation needs. The Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Ltd (KNNL) , the project execution agency, presents it as a drinking water project to facilitate compliance. However, its implementation has been indecisive for the past two and a half decades . Specific Project Components The recent Detailed Project Report (DPR) divides the project into two smaller components: Kalasa — Haltara diversion project (1.72 tmcft): Located at Choria and Kankumbi villages . Bhandura Nala Diversion Project (2.18 tmcft): Located at Nersa Village . Both projects involve headwater spring-streams of the Mahadayi , originating near Bhimgad WLS and Mhadei WLS in the Eco-Sensitive Zone I of the Western Ghats . These sanctuaries and adjacent forests are highlighted in the WGEEP and HLWG reports of Madhav Gadgil and late Kasturirangan for their ecological sensitivity. Alternatives and Community Concerns The report proposes cost-effective alternatives to sustain the river systems, which are vital for agriculture downstream in the Malaprabha basin and the broader North Karnataka region. Local communities near the proposed project site are concerned about land acquisition for the project, as indicated by a Gazette Notification under the seal of the Governor of Karnataka . Report Contributors and Data Sources Residents of Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi-Khanapur areas contributed to the report, representing the voices of communities in the Bhimgad region and concerns from affected areas. The report relies on scientific and research documents from institutions like IISc, ATREE, KSNDMA, NIH, ISRO, IMD , and other studies. Dissemination of the Report Copies of the report are being distributed to senior officials in the State government and district administration, as well as to the legal support team of Karnataka involved in court battles over the projects.