MAPUSA
Like-minded citizens including politicians came together to hold a symbolic protest against Mhadei river diversion near the Tar river in Mapusa on Tuesday evening and appealed to Goans to come out and participate in the protest.
Congress General Secretary Vijay Bhike said there was need to build up a movement in the State to save Mhadei river and this can be done only with people’s participation.
“It’s time people wake up and hit the streets. We have started this symbolic protest from today. We will go to each and every village. We want people to join us. We will take this movement in every home,” Bhike said.
He said the BJP-led government was known to make empty promises and the current Mhadei issue also appears to be another election stunt due to the impending assembly election in Karnataka.
Shiv Sena State President Jitesh Kamat said the diversion of Mhadei river will not only affect the humans but eliminate the entire bio-diversity living off Mhadei river.
He said Home Minister Amit Shah had cleared the air on the issue when he said that the Mhadei water issue has been resolved with the understanding of the Karnataka and Goa governments.
“At least, now North Goa MP Shripad Naik should resign and show that he is with the people of Goa on the Mhadei issue. We will back him. People of Goa will also definitely remain solidly behind him,” Kamat said.
He also slammed Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza for not speaking a word on the Mhadei issue.
A lady protester urged Goans not to get swayed by statements made by politicians but to remain united against the good fight to save Mhadei.
“We have to save our Mhadei. We have to protect our Mhadei river and the Goan identity,” she said.
Another protestor opined that people should get together and put pressure on the government to rescind the DPR granted to the Karnataka government to divert the Mhadei river.
