the goan I network
PANAJI
Around 25 prominent environmentalists on Saturday protested near the Adil Shah Palace in Panaji against the decision of CM Manohar Parrikar to initiate bilateral talks with Karnataka over the sharing of Mhadei river waters.
Activist Claude Alvares questioned the legitimacy of CM's one-sided decision which was declared without any consultation with Goans or even the administration.
"The resources belong to the people of Goa and we were not consulted. If people of Karnataka ask us and we have a discussion, we could readily supply water. But the CM on his own cannot make these promises on behalf of the people. The CM should withdraw that letter, which is not sanctioned by Goans and take our consent," Alvares stated.
He also demanded to know why the CM wants to go and strike a deal with the opposition party in Karnataka when the arguments before the tribunal are almost in the last stages.
Alvares also said that Parrikar's letter addressed to "his own partyman" instead of the sitting CM of Karnataka is indicative of his political motives. "To write to his own partyman for the purpose of electioneering and to get votes for the election for the BJP, this is not something we expected our CM to do. He is not here to cater to the needs of Karnataka. Wherever BJP is contesting polls, if he is going to supply water from Goa, it is a ridiculous way," he lashed out.
Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco declared that if Mhadei waters eventually get diverted, "Parrikar will be responsible".
Activist Prajal Sarkhanade said, "The river flows 81 kms through six Northern talukas of Goa. There will be destruction of ecology and environment and our right to water security will be taken away. Karnataka has a water dispute with every neighbouring state. We request the CM not to succumb to political pressure from the Centre or Karnataka," Sakhardande said.
He also pointed to the Supreme Court order dated August 2, 2017 wherein the apex court had noted that Karnataka had not obtained the required environmental clearances before undertaking construction across Mhadei.
"When we are on the verge of winning, why the sudden thaw in the CM's heart?" the acitivist demanded.
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