New Chairperson for Mahadayi River Authority
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has appointed D S Chaskar as the chairperson of the Mahadayi–Progressive River Authority for Welfare and Harmony (Mahadayi-Prawah), effective from June 1.
Chaskar takes over from Azhagesan Rangaswami, who held the position from May 25 to May 31, following the completion of P M Scott's tenure. Scott had been the chairperson since the authority's inception.
Background of the Authority
The Union government established Mahadayi-Prawah in 2023, acting on the recommendations of the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal award dated August 18, 2018. While its headquarters is designated in Panaji, the Goa government has provided office space at Sinchayi Bhawan in Porvorim.
Chaskar's Expertise
A postgraduate in design engineering from IIT Mumbai, Chaskar began his career with the Central Water Commission as an assistant director in central water engineering. He has since served in various capacities, including deputy director and director.
Recent Developments
The authority held its fifth and most recent meeting in New Delhi on December 24, 2025. Discussions focused on standardizing procedures for the appraisal and clearance of irrigation and drinking water projects proposed by member states.
During the meeting, Goa requested a joint inspection of the Kalasa Nalla project site at Kankumbi, alleging diversion of water into the Malaprabha basin. Karnataka opposed the proposal, leading the authority to seek legal opinion from the Central Water Commission.
