The news of the Central government giving its approval to Karnataka to go ahead with the Kalasa-Banduri project put a damper on a day when Goa was basking over the inauguration of one arm of the new Zuari bridge on Thursday evening. There were reasons to celebrate because the North-South Goa connectivity, which traditionally had a rough patch at Zuari, just got better signalling relief to thousands of motorists frequenting the highway.
However, developments on Mhadei brought in a sinking feeling. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by the Karnataka government was okayed by the Central Water Commission clearing a hurdle in Karnataka’s way to availing of its share of 3.9 TMC water from the Mhadei basin. Leaders in Karnataka burst into a celebration with Karnataka Chief Minister S R Bommai claiming a major victory for the State ahead of Assembly elections to be held around May 2023. Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, and an MP from Karnataka, in a tweet, thanked the Karnataka CM and the Irrigation Minister for “making a constructive, detailed project report.”
In contrast, angry reactions simmered in the background in Goa over the State government’s failure to press the State’s case with the Centre even as Chief Minister Pramod Sawant held out hopes saying that his government will fight the case and asked the Centre to constitute the Mhadei Water Management Authority. The question is, what was the government waiting for all this while?
On March 2, 2020, the apex court rejected Goa's plea to stop Karnataka from starting work on Mhadei but stated that Karnataka could begin construction only after getting permission from the Centre after the preparation of a detailed project report. With a major hurdle being cleared, Karnataka will still have to seek clearance from the wildlife board and the environment ministry.
The fear of losing out on Mhadei is compounded by the fact that Karnataka legislators have tried to leverage the Mhadei issue for political gains. With elections knocking on the doors of the State, the BJP will try to seize the advantage by wooing a sizeable north Karnataka farming belt which has been consistently agitating for the release of Mhadei water. In terms of political clout with the Centre, Karnataka again holds an advantage in terms of representation in Parliament.
On the flip side, there are no credible steps visible from Goa except for shouting derisive slogans of Mhadei being the 'mother' and 'lifeline' of Goa. There is a lack of confidence in the State government fighting its way because Karnataka has been making steady progress towards its goal, leaving aside the 'allegations' of construction being initiated.
The need of the hour is unity in Goa, and not wasted political slander against the chief minister. Also, Sawant must place the matter on the floor of the House in the forthcoming Assembly session and bring clarity to Goa’s position. While there is jubilation in the Karnataka camp, the people of Goa must understand where we stand and the options at hand. The show of solidarity and words of commitment on Mhadei must translate into concrete action.
