MARGAO
Even before the ruling BJP’s diktat to adopt resolutions on Mhadei could percolate down to the panchayats and municipalities, this panchayat in Saxtti, which does not allegiance to any political party, on Tuesday took the initiative to unanimously adopt a resolution, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister and the Jal Shakti Minister besides Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to withdraw the approval given to Karnataka DPR by the Central Water Commission on Mhadei.
The Chinchinim panchayat which met on Tuesday under the chairmanship of sarpanch Valentino Baretto underscored the need to withdraw the resolution in the interest of maintaining the equilibrium balance of the ecosystem, the forest wealth, flora & fauna, wildlife and environment of Goa.
"Mhadei river is the lifeline of Goa. The river which originates in Karnataka provides water for the natural flora and fauna in the entire covering more than 1500 sq km. The water is also used for irrigating vast agricultural lands in Goa and for domestic consumption of Satari and Bicholim taluka,” the resolution stated.
It added: "Scarcity of water from the Mhadei will put these talukas in severe distress. The shortfall will have to be compensated from Selaulim and other reservoirs. This will have a cascading effect thereby leading to water shortages also in Salcete and other talukas."
The resolution tabled by panch Frank Viegas and supported by the members stated that the panchayat resolves to strongly object to the diversion of the Mhadei river by the government of Karnataka and appeals to the Goa government to take all legal measures to stop all works on bandaras, check dams, dams and any other infrastructure that will deprive Goa of the Mhadei water.
It was unanimously resolved to urge the PMO, HMO, Jal Shakti Ministry & CMO Goa to withdraw the approval given to Karnataka DPR by the Central Water Commission in the interest of maintaining the equilibrium balance of the ecosystem, the forest wealth, flora & fauna wildlife and environment of Goa.
Expressing deep concern for maintaining the equilibrium balance of the ecosystem of Goa, panch Frank said: “We should not allow diversion in the flow of water of Mhadei. Any diversion by Karnataka will be suicidal for Goa. It would be disastrous for the tourism sector which subsists due to the rich natural diversity of our tiny State. We demand the Central Water Commission of India immediately withdraw the approval given to Karnataka's DPR keeping in mind the sustainable development goals for water-sufficient villages in Goa”.
He stated that the Goa government should not take a back seat on this issue. “It should adopt a do or die approach and not fall prey at the behest of the Centre on an issue which will destroy our land,” Frank stated.
The Chinchinim panchayat which met on Tuesday under the chairmanship of sarpanch Valentino Baretto underscored the need to withdraw the resolution in the interest of maintaining the equilibrium balance of the ecosystem, the forest wealth, flora & fauna, wildlife and environment of Goa.
"Mhadei river is the lifeline of Goa. The river which originates in Karnataka provides water for the natural flora and fauna in the entire covering more than 1500 sq km. The water is also used for irrigating vast agricultural lands in Goa and for domestic consumption of Satari and Bicholim taluka,” the resolution stated.
It added: "Scarcity of water from the Mhadei will put these talukas in severe distress. The shortfall will have to be compensated from Selaulim and other reservoirs. This will have a cascading effect thereby leading to water shortages also in Salcete and other talukas."
The resolution tabled by panch Frank Viegas and supported by the members stated that the panchayat resolves to strongly object to the diversion of the Mhadei river by the government of Karnataka and appeals to the Goa government to take all legal measures to stop all works on bandaras, check dams, dams and any other infrastructure that will deprive Goa of the Mhadei water.
It was unanimously resolved to urge the PMO, HMO, Jal Shakti Ministry & CMO Goa to withdraw the approval given to Karnataka DPR by the Central Water Commission in the interest of maintaining the equilibrium balance of the ecosystem, the forest wealth, flora & fauna wildlife and environment of Goa.
Expressing deep concern for maintaining the equilibrium balance of the ecosystem of Goa, panch Frank said: “We should not allow diversion in the flow of water of Mhadei. Any diversion by Karnataka will be suicidal for Goa. It would be disastrous for the tourism sector which subsists due to the rich natural diversity of our tiny State. We demand the Central Water Commission of India immediately withdraw the approval given to Karnataka's DPR keeping in mind the sustainable development goals for water-sufficient villages in Goa”.
He stated that the Goa government should not take a back seat on this issue. “It should adopt a do or die approach and not fall prey at the behest of the Centre on an issue which will destroy our land,” Frank stated.
