PANAJI
Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti V Somanna today said discussions are underway between Goa, Maharashtra & Karnataka over the Mhadei river dispute, while assuring that the Centre would safeguard the interests of all three States under the federal framework.
However, he refrained from commenting on the contentious Kalasa-Banduri diversion project, saying he would respond only after gathering details on the matter.
Speaking to the media during his visit to the memorial of Manohar Parrikar at Miramar, Somanna said the centre was committed to maintaining balance among states under the federal structure. “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,” the minister said.
When questioned about concerns over diversion of Mhadei river and the growing worries regarding water availability in Goa, Somanna maintained that discussions were ongoing between the states and reiterated the centre’s focus on development.
The minister, however, avoided giving a detailed response on the controversial Kalasa-Banduri project, which has remained a major point of contention between Goa and Karnataka. Faced with repeated questions on the project and its approval by the Centre, Somanna said, “I don’t know anything on that matter. I will speak once I get to know about it.”
