THE GOAN NETWORK
BELAGAVI
As the Mhadei Water Disputes Tribunal is scheduled to pronounce its interim verdict on Wednesday, high alert has been announced in 19 talukas coming under Malaprabha river basin in Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad and Gadag districts.
Goa is hopeful of a favourable verdict after arguing that Karnataka had provided false documentation on water shortage in Karnataka. On Monday, Additional Solicitor General of India Atmaram Nadkarni presented lengthy arguments before the Tribunal and argued the need to safeguard the lifeline of Goa.
Anticipating a verdict that may go against Karnataka, heavy police force has been deployed to avoid untoward incidents.
On the other hand, based on intelligence report of a possible attempt to damage the brick wall to prevent the diversion of Mhadei river water to Malaprabha river in April last year, 1 KSRP and DAR platoon have been deployed at the project site near Kankumbi.
It may be recalled that the three-member Tribunal consisting of Justices J S Panchal, Vinay Mittal and P S Narayan of Supreme Court had completed the hearing on Monday and posted the pronouncement of the verdict to Wednesday.
Advocate Atmaram Nadkarni pleading from Goa and Adv Fali Nariman on behalf of the Karnataka had presented the sides of the respective states. Mohan Kataraki, M B Zirali and a few others assisted Nariman.
Apart from additional police forces, about 10 KSRP and District Armed Reserve (DAR) Police Forces, a team of police from Karwar district and civil police have been deployed in the Malaprabha river basin on Tuesday to control the possible fallout.
The Karwar Police who arrived on Tuesday are also working with the local police in the district. In Gadag district, about 6 KSRP platoons and 10 DAR platoons were deployed along with the civil police. High alert has been sounded in Naragund town, where the protest is going on since last year.
Apart from police deputed at the agitating place at Ramadurg, Saundatti, Bailhongal and Belagavi, 6 KSRP and 5 DAR platoons have also been deployed.
Speaking to media persons, Northern Range Inspector General Police Ramachandra Rao said Vijayapura Police will coordinate with Bagalkot Police along with KSRP and DAR forces.
Assisted by Goa Police, Karnataka Police is also closely monitoring commuters movement at the check-post made at state border at Kankumbi, where police from Maharashtra and Goa are assisting, he said.
“Meanwhile seeking cooperation, police is holding discussions with farmer leaders appealing them not to create any untoward incident which could make impact on Tribunal's final verdict,” IGP Ramchandra Rao said.
