PANAJI
A day after PRAWAH’s second meeting in Bengaluru and protests against the Goa government in Karnataka, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant claimed that these actions indicate that Goa is on the right track.
“Protests in Karnataka against us and opposition to the inspection of the Mhadei river basin by PRAWAH itself show that Goa government is on the right track. Karnataka fears being exposed,” Sawant told reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
During the PRAWAH meeting on Monday, Karnataka raised objections to conducting the site inspection despite the matter pending before the Supreme Court and the notification of the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal’s award.
Sawant further stated that PRAWAH is an independent authority and that Goa ensured its officials accompanied the inspection team to show violations by Karnataka. “My officials accompanied them. I don’t understand why Karnataka is feeling threatened. PRAWAH is fair enough to conduct an inspection and submit a report,” Sawant said, reiterating that the burning and tearing of his photos by activists in Karnataka was out of fear.
“We wanted the inspections to be held during the rains and it happened… We showed violations by Karnataka,” he added. BJP State President Sadanand Shet Tanavade supported the government’s stance asserting that the government is serious about the issue.
Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai however criticized the thin attendance by Goa compared to the 30 Karnataka officials at the Bengaluru meeting. “Goa had a team of only three officials against Karnataka’s 30. How much will they defend Goa in such a hostile environment? How will you save Mhadei for Goa,” he questioned.
Sardesai also raised apprehensions about PRAWAH’s intention to give justice to Goa.
