PANAJI
Days after Progressive River Authority for Welfare and Harmony in its report failed to note the violations of Karnataka government over Mhadei river diversion, Goa government has made a fresh submission before Authority, along with evidence, highlighting how Karnataka has diverted the natural flow of the river into Malaprabha basin.
The third meeting of the Mhadei-PRAWAH is scheduled on September 6 in Delhi. The incumbent in-charge of Central Water Commission (CWC) Navin Kumar will chair the meeting, following superannuation of P M Scott.
Sources informed that while the meeting agenda is yet to be finalised, the discussion is likely on the expenses of the authority, including salary, infrastructure like office premise in Panaji-Goa -- that will be borne by the three riparian States -- Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra in equal shares.
The Centre will make an initial contribution of Rs five crore for setting up and functioning of the authority, which shall be later reimbursed to the Centre by the Authority after contributions are received from the party States, sources said.
Sources said that the Goa government has made a fresh letter to PRAWAH pointing out the various violations undertaken by Karnataka to divert the natural flow of the Water. “Goa has put on record various violations along with evidence. The water that should have come to Goa has been diverted,” sources said adding ‘there is no clarity whether the letter would come up for discussion during the meeting or not’.
PRAWAH team visited the Mhadei basin areas in Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra, in July; but interestingly has skipped visit to the prime violation site at Kankumbi during their visit.
“Goa has brought to the notice of PRAWAH the same violations that they missed out during the visit,” sources said.
Meanwhile, the petitions filed by Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra challenging Mhadei Tribunal Award and Goa’s contempt plea failed to come up for hearing before the Supreme Court, last month.
