[TGE EXCLUSIVE]
***
Mhadei dispute: K'taka dangles hydel power-sharing option before Goa
Urges to accept 'give and take' formula
LOUIS RODRIGUES
BELAGAVI
Stating that Goa could become a major beneficiary of the Mhadei water, Karnataka Minister for Water Resources M B Patil has said Karnataka could share with Goa the power generated from the Mhadei Hydel Electricity Project (MHEP).
Urging Goa to come forward for an out-of-tribunal talks with Karnataka, Patil also appealed to Goa to set aside the past and come forward for a ‘give and take’ proposal as far as Mhadei water sharing is concerned for mutual benefits.
“The Mhadei basin's yield as assessed by the Central Water Commission (CWC) is 200 TMC, whereas as per Goa’s assessment, it is 118 TMC. Since the CWC is the neutral agency, its assessment must be considered while resolving the dispute,” said Patil, while speaking exclusively to The Goan during the Winter Session of the State Legislature on Saturday.
“Today, none of the riparian states of Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra are utilising the water, which drains into the sea,” Patil said.
“If the required water is allotted, then Karnataka can share power generated from the Mhadei Hydel Electricity Project (MHEP) with Goa and also quench the thirst of the parched north Karnataka region.”
Karnataka had an initial claim of 36 TMC to generate 150 mega watts from MHEP and drinking water, without harming Goan interests.
“We are ready for a give-and-take formula. Earlier, MHEP was proposed at a common border for sharing power, but now it is brought back under Karnataka territory. However, we are still open to talks and ready to share power towards a fruitful relationship with Goa,” the minister said.
He reiterated that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah was ready for positive talks with his Goan counterpart, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar.
“I emphasise that none of the states are fully using the Mhadei water and hence, Karnataka requires a small share for consumptive use. Moreover, post-monsoon Goa could also get a regulated water supply from Mhadei, if the talks succeed. Goa still will have more than 90 per cent of its share of water, as Goa will officially have rights over about 185 TMC of its share,” Patil said.
Urging Goan authorities to rethink the decision of opposing the Kalsa-Bhandura water diversion project, the Minister said: “Instead of going back to the past, let’s look forward for new opportunities through an out-of-tribunal settlement.”
