PANAJI
Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti V Somanna on Thursday said that discussions are underway with Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra over the long-pending Mhadei river dispute, while assuring that the Centre would safeguard the interests of all three riparian States under the federal framework.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's memorial at Miramar, Somanna stressed that the Union Government was committed to maintaining a balance among States and ensuring equitable development.
"Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka are one under the federal structure. The interests of all States will be protected. For the sake of the nation's development, every State needs to work together," he said.
Responding to concerns over the diversion of Mhadei river waters and the potential impact on Goa's water security, the minister said consultations between the concerned States were continuing and that the Centre was closely monitoring the issue.
"All States are one and equal for us. Goa is not different for us, nor Karnataka or Maharashtra. Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in Sabka Vikas and therefore the interests of all three States will be protected," Somanna said.
The minister, however, refrained from commenting on the contentious Kalasa-Bhandura diversion project. "This is a several-decade-old issue. Discussions are ongoing and we will inform you. Technically, I am not aware of what permissions have been granted and what have not. I don't know anything on that matter. I will speak once I get to know about it," he said.
The three States have been at loggerheads over Mhadei river diversion. The Mhadei Water Dispute tribunal in its award passed in August 2018 had granted Karnataka a total of 13.42 tmc (380 Mcum) of water of which 8.02 tmc (227 Mcum) was for the proposed Mhadei Hydroelectric project, 1.5 tmc (42 Mcum) for in basin use and irrigation and allowed the diversion of 1.72 tmc (48 Mcum) of water from the Kalasa stream and 2.18 tmc (61 Mcum) at the proposed Bandura dam.
In all, the tribunal permitted Karnataka to divert 110 Mcum of water from the Mhadei basin to the east flowing Malaprabha basin.
However, all the three State have challenged the award before the Supreme Court. Also, Goa has filed series of contempt petition against Karnataka for undertaking diversion works through Bhandura project, without obtaining necessary clearances.
