Mandovi
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Overview
The Mandovi (Mhadei) is Goa's main river, and Panaji stands on it. Its waters are disputed with Karnataka; a tribunal was set up in 2010.
It rises in the Bhimgad area of Belagavi district, Karnataka, where it is called the Mhadei, and flows west through Goa to the Arabian Sea at Panaji.
Karnataka's plan to divert Mhadei water to the Malaprabha basin through the Kalasa–Banduri project is disputed with Goa; a tribunal gave its award in 2018.
Iron ore barges once used the river heavily to reach Mormugao.
The river is the lifeline of Goa.
It has many islands like Divar and Chorao.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is on Chorao island.
The river has casinos on boats.
Geography and key facts
- Goa's main river
- Panaji
- Mahadayi tribunal, 2010
- Called Mhadei in Karnataka
- Panaji at its mouth
- Mhadei tribunal award 2018
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on water disputes.
Note for UPSC
The main river of Goa (Mhadei); Panaji stands on it and its waters are disputed with Karnataka.
Prelims asks about tributaries, the states a river flows through, its basin and the projects on it, so trace the course on the map.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Mandovi yet.
Key facts
- Type
- River
- States / UTs on its course
- Goa, Karnataka
- River system
- Peninsular
- Basin
- West-flowing (Western Ghats)
- Extent on map
- 15.4°–15.6°N, 73.8°–74.4°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.