The regionalism versus nationalism issue is delicately poised. With nationalisation of Goa's rivers being history after Parliament gave its nod, there is a debate over the Memorandum of Understanding which is now taking centrestage. The MoU between CoP, which is the designated Authority for the State Government, the MPT which is the nodal authority and National Waterways Authority of India, empowers the State through its Authorities for upkeep and any control of its rivers. The question to be asked is why should there be objection to the MoU if that's the only option available with the State?
River nationalisation had taken the State by storm earlier this year with Goa Forward and Congress opposing it in their assembly election campaigns. In fact, for Goa Forward this was one of the key issues while raising fears that control of rivers will be snatched by the Centre. There was a looming fear that Centre's navigational plans will result in colossal damage to the river ecosystems.
However, an act notifying 106 waterways across India and which included seven rivers from Goa as national waterways was passed in Parliament on April 12, 2016. From the Centre's perspective, the move was primarily aimed at encouraging growth of inland waterways and developing and protecting navigational channels. It was made clear that it would not infringe upon the powers of the state over minerals and waters.
Between then and now, much water has flown down the rivers and all three MLAs of Goa Forward - Vijai Sardessai, Vinoda Paliencar and Jayesh Salgaonkar - rooted for the MoU when it came up in the House. The Congress did embarrass Vijai digging into the past. Velim MLA Filipe Neri Rodrigues recalled how the movement began in Velim with rallies and protests receiving public support irrespective of political affiliations. The Congress literally mocked at the way Goa Forward changed its stand and agreed on an MoU which formed part of the government's Common Minimum Programme released on March 14.
The government may be playing by the book but the Opposition has no clarity on why they are objecting the MoU, knowing well that nationalisation of rivers is irreversible. Now that rivers are nationalised, what needs to be looked at is what goes into the MoU and how well the State's interests are safeguarded. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's assurance to take all MLAs on board before signing the document is a step in the right direction. The issue should not be politicised at this stage. The pros and cons of the MoU need to be assessed before finalising. Let there be a debate. Government should take everyone on board before finalising the MoU.
River nationalisation had taken the State by storm earlier this year with Goa Forward and Congress opposing it in their assembly election campaigns. In fact, for Goa Forward this was one of the key issues while raising fears that control of rivers will be snatched by the Centre. There was a looming fear that Centre's navigational plans will result in colossal damage to the river ecosystems.
However, an act notifying 106 waterways across India and which included seven rivers from Goa as national waterways was passed in Parliament on April 12, 2016. From the Centre's perspective, the move was primarily aimed at encouraging growth of inland waterways and developing and protecting navigational channels. It was made clear that it would not infringe upon the powers of the state over minerals and waters.
Between then and now, much water has flown down the rivers and all three MLAs of Goa Forward - Vijai Sardessai, Vinoda Paliencar and Jayesh Salgaonkar - rooted for the MoU when it came up in the House. The Congress did embarrass Vijai digging into the past. Velim MLA Filipe Neri Rodrigues recalled how the movement began in Velim with rallies and protests receiving public support irrespective of political affiliations. The Congress literally mocked at the way Goa Forward changed its stand and agreed on an MoU which formed part of the government's Common Minimum Programme released on March 14.
The government may be playing by the book but the Opposition has no clarity on why they are objecting the MoU, knowing well that nationalisation of rivers is irreversible. Now that rivers are nationalised, what needs to be looked at is what goes into the MoU and how well the State's interests are safeguarded. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's assurance to take all MLAs on board before signing the document is a step in the right direction. The issue should not be politicised at this stage. The pros and cons of the MoU need to be assessed before finalising. Let there be a debate. Government should take everyone on board before finalising the MoU.
