PANAJI (GOA) In a major development that could give major boost to State’s fight for protection of its water, the Union Government has extended the term of Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal (MWDT), involving Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra on the water diversion issue, by a period of one year upto August 21, 2018.

In a notification issued last month, Union Ministry for Water Resources has extended the term of Mhadei tribunal for one year. The term, extended last year was getting lapsed on August 21.

The tribunal was set up in November 2010.

In July, 2002, the State of Goa had made a request under Section 3 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 for constitution of the Tribunal and refer the matter for adjudication and decision of dispute relating to Mandovi River.

Karnataka has proposed construction of nearly 12 dams while Maharashtra has proposed four dams across the river Mhadei, which is lifeline of State water requirement.