OLD GOA
Painting a grim picture on the Mhadei issue, environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar pointed out that legal battle is the only way forward to stop the diversion of the river.
“The Tribunal has already given the award which allows Karnataka 3.9 TMC water and we cannot stop that from happening,” Kerkar said.
However, he pointed out that in the DPR Karnataka has proposed diversion of Surla river water as well, which cannot be the case.
“On this point, we can take the legal fight forward and win,” Kerkar said.
He further said that if one studies thoroughly the projects proposed by Karnataka, then they will realize the quantum of the disaster awaiting as Goa will not get even a single drop of water.
“It is important that our MLAs first understand about the issue. When we don’t have knowledge of the issue, there is no possibility of achieving a victory,” Kerkar said and urged the six Opposition MLAs present to first read the 12 volumes which were prepared on Mhadei.
“I had tried to pass on Mhadei knowledge to the MLAs in the past. But, they were not interested,” Kerkar said, while stating that in Karnataka, the MLAs are very knowledgeable on the issue.
He further opined that though Mhadei issue is very important at the moment, Goans should also give equal importance to the other rivers as well which are being neglected.
“Of the 231 polluted rivers in India, 8 rivers are from Goa and I request everybody to also look into saving of other rivers as well,” he urged.
Kerkar further urged the gathering to take a pledge to protect all our rivers. He also opined on the need to protect the environment and the forests as well.
He further took a dig at scientists of Goa who he said did not come forward to offer their services in the fight for Mhadei when needed.
Kerkar then said that the unity of Goans should not be confined only to one day but it should be for forever. “I came here only on one condition, which is that everybody should come together,” Kerkar said and urged the gathering to spread the movement.
