OLD GOA
Several activists got together and gave a clarion call to Goans to come on a common platform to protest against the diversion of waters of Mhadei.
Speaking to reporters at Azad Maidan, on Monday, the activists pointed out that Mhadei is a lifeline of Goa and diverting its waters would have a disastrous effect on the wildlife, ecosystem and most importantly the 50% population of the State which is dependent on Mhadei for drinking water.
“Therefore, we are asking the Goans to keep aside their political affiliations and join hands on a common platform to stage a statewide agitation against the Centre’s move to allow diversion of Mhadei waters to Karnataka,” activist Sanjay Barde informed.
Barde further condemned CM Pramod Sawant for compromising on Mhadei during his visit to Delhi while also chiding the CM’s initiative for an all-party meet in the matter.
“Nothing will come out of the all-party meet and it is the people alone who would have to come together and protest,” Barde said.
Another activist Deepeh Naik said that today people are fighting issues on separate platforms.
“But, the need of the hour is for the people from Pernem to Canacona to come together on a common platform to save Mhadei as this issue is affecting each and every Goan,” Naik said while giving a call to all Goans to come forward and agitate for the sake of the future generations.
An emotionally charged senior activist Anil Kerkar targeted the BJP leaders, including North Goa MP Shripad Naik and CM Pramod Sawant, for being responsible for the Mhadei fiasco and now crying crocodile tears over the issue.
“If these leaders were so concerned about Mhadei they would have resigned the very moment that the news came in of Centre allowing diversion of Mhadei water,” Kerkar opined.
Another activist Shailendra Velingkar too urged people of both Hindu and Christian community, borth from North and South Goa, to join hands and agitate against the Centre’s decision on allowing diversion of Mhadei’s waters.
Adv Shailesh Gawas too, with folded hands, requested Goans to keep aside their political affiliations and come together as one and fight for Mhadei.
