PANAJI
Close on the heels of the Mhadei river water dispute, Goa and Karnataka appear headed for another confrontation -- this time over the ownership and development of a cluster of islands off the Karwar-Bhatkal coast.
The row has intensified after the Uttara Kannada district administration in Karnataka completed a detailed survey of revenue islands, covering nearly 100 hectares, with plans to promote them for tourism. In response, the Goa government has decided to conduct its own survey of islands stretching up to Bhatkal, setting the stage for a jurisdictional clash.
Karnataka authorities have identified and named six islands --Madhyalingada Dweepa, Mongergudda Dweepa, Devgad 1 and 2 in Karwar taluk, and Hag Dweepa and Kirikonda in Bhatkal taluk --assigning them official survey numbers in what officials describe as a first-of-its-kind exercise. Most of these names are derived from traditional usage by local fishing communities.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the State has directed its Revenue and Ports departments to verify claims and carry out a fresh survey. “We will approach the Centre for development of these islands and also consult the Indian Navy,” he said.
Captain of Ports Octavio Rodrigues confirmed that a survey will be undertaken shortly with the assistance of the Coast Guard, after which a report will be submitted to the government.
Karnataka, however, has taken a firm stand against Goa’s move. District in-charge minister Mankal Vaidya asserted that the state would not concede “even an inch” of its territory. He said Karnataka has already identified 13 islands for tourism development, completed surveys, and prepared a detailed project report requiring an estimated Rs1,500 crore investment.
“We have been working on this for the past two years. This is a pioneering initiative for the State,” Vaidya said, adding that Goa’s actions would not affect Karnataka’s plans.
Backing the State’s position, Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya said Goa cannot conduct any survey in the area without prior permission from local authorities. She maintained that the islands fall within Karnataka’s jurisdiction, noting that any such exercise would require formal communication and coordination.
With both States digging in their heels, the issue threatens to escalate into yet another inter-State dispute.
