PANAJI
Minister for Water Resources Subhash Shirodkar was unaware about the latest move of Karnataka to divert the Mhadei river water into Malaprabha basin. He, however, said that any work without requisite permission would amount to contempt of Supreme Court.
As reported by The Goan, in Nerse village near Khanapur, Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL) has started work to lay pipelines to facilitate the water diversion, without any mandatory permission including that of the National Board of Wildlife.
When asked, Shirodkar said he was unaware about the development but maintained that he would direct the department officials to conduct a site visit and submit a report. “Our team periodically inspects the sites. But, I will ask them to visit this specific site and submit a report. If there is any violation, we will move a contempt plea,” he said.
Shirodkar said that Karnataka cannot undertake any work without permissions like that of NBWL and Goa State Chief Wildlife Warden.
“They cannot do any work without permission. Any work will amount to violation of Court order. It will be direct contempt,” he said.
Environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar informed that he has already brought to the notice of WRD officials about the same.
Karnataka has so far received only the technical clearance for their Kalsa-Bhandura drinking water project from the Central Water Commission.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao slammed the government for ignoring the blatant diversion of Mhadei river. “BJP government stands exposed over Mhadei. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement that the long dispute between Goa and Karnataka has been resolved and allowed diversion of the river comes true,” he said.
He questioned whether the Goa government will file a contempt petition against Karnataka.
