MARGAO
Noted environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar has warned that the life and livelihood of Goans as a whole will be badly affected if the quantum of water from river Mandovi does not flow and get mixed in the Arabian Sea.
He further cautioned that disruption in the river water will not only affect parts of North Goa, but many areas in Dharbandora and Sanguem, which depend on the river Mandovi.
Citing a paper presented by a NIO scientist in 2009, Kerkar asserted that salinity of the Arabian Sea will increase if the quantum of fresh water does not get mixed, affecting the entire Goan population.
Delivering a lecture on “The last call of River Mhadei” organised by the Vivekananda Environmental Awareness Brigade (VEAB) in association with Chowgule College, Margao on Thursday, Kerkar said that many a country in Africa, where it is believed that civilisation began, are facing water scarcity and salinity.
“Ethiopia and Somalia is a big problem, where parents cannot even afford to provide a glass of water to their children. Similar is a story at Cape Town, South Africa. It is rightly said that the third world war may start over rivers and waters. China is planning to dam the Brahmaputra,” he said.
Turning to Mhadei river, Kerkar said the river is revered as a great mother by all Goans. “As far as Goans are concerned, don’t think that only North Goa will be affected if the river water is diverted by Karnataka. The life and livelihood of Goans will be badly affected if there’s any restriction in the quantum of water entering the Arabian Sea,” he said.
Saying that Goans love water and river, Kerkar pointed out that a river is being worshiped as Gajanlaxmi since earlier times as evident by various rock sculptures. Saying that Mhadei river is known as Mandovi in Goa because of the levy of fees on ships entering the river, Kerkar said Mandovi is
the biggest of the 12 rivers in the State.
“Compared to river Ganga, Mandovi is very small. While the length of river Ganga is pegged at 2522 kms, Mandovi is only 111 kilometres in length, yet its drainage is pegged at 1580 square kilometres compared to the size of Goa,” he added.
Saying that nature has been kind to Goa, he pointed out that while river Mhadei originates in Uttar Karnataka, it takes a sudden turn to enter Goa, before more
than 75 perennial streams join the river.
