PANAJI: Accusing the government of lacking seriousness in protecting the Mhadei river, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao remarked that spending over Rs 16 crore on legal matters seems to be the government's only way of showing "love and concern" for Mother Mhadei.
Speaking during Question Hour on the second day of the Assembly Session, Alemao remarked, “We may lose Mhadei, but the legal brains will always win. Perhaps spending on legal fees has become our way of expressing love and concern for Mother Mhadei.”
He pointed out that legal matters, consultancy services, and related expenses have cost the state exchequer over Rs 16 cr, and questioned the current status of the Mhadei issue. “On consultancy services, the Government has spent Rs 4 crores, on legal professional fees, travelling Allowances and accommodation for lawyers Rs 12.44 cr and Rs 64 lakhs has been spent on tour programmes of ministers and officers,” Alemao revealed.
He lamented, saying the Government failed to write to PRAWAH and also to withdraw the DPR of Karnataka. “The government should take note that the Karnataka government has made all pre-preparations and kept everything ready on the ground to commence work. They have marked the forest trees for cutting and also marked the route and track for siphoning the water,” Alemao warned.
He added that the State government made no efforts to convince its upper engine to withdraw the DPR of Karnataka.
