PANAJI
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said that Goa would in-principle not oppose Karnataka's demand for reasonable and justified quantum of drinking water from River Mhadei, even as he said that the State Government is ready to hold bilateral talks with Karnataka over the issue strictly on humanitarian grounds.
Parrikar has, however, strongly stated that the discussion shall be without any prejudice to the State Government's rights and contentions before the Mhadei Water Disputes Tribunal.
The letter written by Parrikar to Karnataka BJP President B S Yeddyurappa stated: "Issue of drinking water although is one of the issues pending before the Tribunal, in-principle the State of Goa would not oppose the reasonable and justified quantum of water meant to be utilised for drinking. However, the same needs to be discussed bilaterally as suggested by the Tribunal."
The letter stated further: "Government of Goa understands that access to drinking water is a basic human need. Hence it is to confirm to you that on humanitarian ground, Government of Goa is willing to consider the request to work out an amicable settlement strictly restricted to drinking water only to the drought-prone areas."
"It is needless to mention that the discussion shall be without prejudice to our rights and contentions before the Tribunal, none of which are even touched by this letter", stated the letter.
BJP National President Amit Shah on Wednesday held a meeting with Parrikar and Yeddyurappa, among others in Delhi to discuss the issue.
Addressing a press conference in Panaji, Parrikar said, "The matter is sub-judice so we cannot take any major decision. But after considering the legal position, I learnt that the Tribunal too had suggested finding a mutual solution to the issue of drinking water. I had taken a same stand in 2002 that after working out a proper mechanism we could consider this request for drinking water in the drought-prone areas of North Karnataka, but not in the way they are trying to do it."
"All the details would be discussed in the bilateral talks within Tribunal parameters. Approval for bilateral talks doesn't mean that we have given them Mhadei water. The bilateral agreement would be kept before the Tribunal, which will have a monitoring mechanism which will specify Goa's role too. We will not compromise on Goa's interest", he said.
Meanwhile, he categorically denied any pressure from Shah over the issue.
"There was no pressure from Shah. Being the Party President, it is his right to arrange for such a meeting", he said.
It may be recalled that former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar, following a request by the Tribunal last year for out-of-court settlement with Karnataka and Maharashtra, had convened an all-party meeting along with Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan, to discuss and decide on the stand to be taken by the State in view of the suggestion given by the Tribunal. Some participants had raised apprehensions about the chief minister attending the meeting with the neighbouring states. Responding, Parsekar had stated that he would attend the meet while ensuring that Goa's interest would not be compromised. The meeting, however, could not be held.
