Panaji, October 28: A two-day interstate multi-stakeholder meeting on the Malaprabha-Mahadayi river dispute, held at Dharwad in Karnataka on October 24–25, concluded with a collective call for dialogue, transparency and sustainable water management while protecting the ecological integrity of the Western Ghats.

The meeting brought together farmers, environmentalists, activists and representatives from Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Participants acknowledged the legitimate water needs of Karnataka farmers while stressing that any solution must safeguard the Mahadayi and Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuaries, river ecosystems and livelihoods dependent on them.

Goa representatives, including Abhijit Prabhudesai of Rainbow Warriors and Nirmala Sawant of Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan, highlighted the ecological risks associated with river diversion and large-scale industrial expansion. They emphasised the importance of protecting the Mandovi river system, which supports Goa’s drinking water, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and traditional livelihoods.

Farmers from Karnataka raised concerns over persistent water shortages, flooding, agricultural losses and inadequate water management. Experts advocated water-efficient farming, better reservoir management and sustainable alternatives to river diversion.

Participants demanded greater transparency from the Central and state governments through white papers on water utilisation, conservation and river basin management. They also stressed that the dispute must be resolved through lawful and democratic processes supported by scientific evidence.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continued interstate dialogue and collective action to protect rivers, forests and livelihoods while addressing farmers’ genuine water requirements.