Hopes for verdict that will safeguard, favour both states
BELAGAVI
Claiming that the Mhadei river may be a poll issue for Karantaka but a lifeline for Goa, Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has expressed hope that the Supreme Court would pass a verdict which would safeguard and favour both states.
Speaking to The Goan while on a visit to Belagavi, Sawant said effort would be made to establish Goa right over the Mhadei river.
“Mhadei is the lifeline for Goa. It is required for the conservation of the environment and ecology, drinking water, conservation of flora and fauna and for agriculture. Hence, the continuous flow of Mhadei in Goa is a necessity,” Sawant said.
When asked about Karnataka’s demand for diversion of the Mhadei river, Sawant said it is an election issue for Karnataka.
“For Karnataka, it could be the issue for elections, but for Goa, it is not the issue for elections, Mhadei is a life-giving source (Jeevandayini). Hence, our petition is with the Supreme Court, the Centre and with PRAWAH (Progressive River Authority for Welfare and Harmony). We will not fall short of anything to establish our right over Mhadei river,” Sawant ascertained.
Speaking further, he said that since the matter is pending in the Supreme Court, he believed that the National Wildlife Board would allow what is permissible.
“Though drinking water is important, conservation of environment and Mhadei wildlife sanctuary is also important. The Mhadei PRAVAH will study the project site. A member of PRAVAH has visited the project site and we have strongly presented our case before the authority concerned. Whatever is the outcome, I believe it will safeguard and favour the interests of both states,” Sawant said.
GOA-CHORLA ROAD
Commenting on the dilapidated Chorla stretch along the Goa-Belagavi highway, the Goa Chief Minister said Union Minister for Surface Transport and National Highways Nitin Gadkari has already sanctioned a two-lane highway via Chorla.
“But the implementation is pending as it requires clearance from Karnataka’s forest department. Once it is cleared, work on the doubling of Chorla road will start, Dr Sawant said.
“I will persuade NHAI authorities and my Karnataka counterpart to get the road repaired before the onset of monsoon.”
