The River Mhadei

The Science and Politics of Diversion

This book explores the complex and deeply interconnected world surrounding the Mhadei River in Goa, India. Inspired by global conversations on environmental justice, sustainability, and equitable development, the authors examine the river through multiple lenses—geological, ecological, cultural, and political—revealing its significance far beyond a local water dispute.

The study began as an inquiry into inter-state water conflicts but evolved into a broader reflection on how rivers shape landscapes, ecosystems, communities, and identities. Through scientific research, historical accounts, community voices, and legal analysis, this collection sheds light on how competing development narratives impact vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

The contributors form an “epistemic collective” of scholars, activists, filmmakers, and local stakeholders who come together to present a holistic understanding of the river’s role in sustaining biodiversity, culture, and livelihoods. The book highlights the importance of recognizing multiple “timescapes”—ancient geological processes, evolving ecosystems, cultural traditions, and political decisions—and how these intersect to influence the future of the river and the people it sustains.

This volume is Goa’s contribution to global debates on sustainable governance, river conservation, and just transitions, offering a comprehensive and deeply human account of the Mhadei as both a living entity and a contested resource.