Union govt returns Karnataka’s plea for wildlife clearance for Mahadayi watershed projects, calls sub-judge

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav wrote a letter to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stating that “the matter will be reconsidered in future in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court”. | Photo Credit: Photo File

The Union government has returned Karnataka’s proposal to cull wildlife for the proposed Kalasa-Bhanduri drinking water project in the Mahadayi river basin, saying the matter was sub-judicial.

Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, wrote a letter to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar saying that “the matter will be reassessed in future in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court”.

“In reference to your letter dated 23rd December 2025 regarding wildlife eradication for Kalasa-Bhanduri drinking water supply scheme to be implemented near Khanapur taluk of Belagavi district, I would like to inform that Government of Karnataka has filed IA No. 219672/2023 of S503 of CA 403 No. 405. 19312/2019 before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on 18/10/2023 challenging the order dated 29/03/2023 of the Chief Conservation Officer, Goa, is currently pending the decision of the Supreme Court,” the letter said.

He further said that in view of the pending matter in the supreme court and the issues requiring resolution between the concerned states, the wildlife eradication proposal has been returned to the state government at this time.

In response, Mohan Katarki, a senior advocate representing Karnataka in the Supreme Court, said Karnataka would soon approach the Supreme Court for clarification.

“It is surprising that the Union government is taking cognizance of an extraterritorial order issued by Goa which is in clear contradiction to its own published finding of the tribunal. We will approach the Supreme Court to clarify. The said letter was issued by Goa purportedly under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. But it was outside the officer’s jurisdiction,” Mr Kataraki said.

Published – 24 Jul 2026 21:25 IST