PANAJI: Goa CM Pramod Sawant has reiterated that the government is serious about the Mhadei issue and is taking concrete steps ahead of the next stage in the tribunal process.
Following a meeting with the Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan (MBA) today, he said the state is seeking approval for a complete aerial survey of the Kalsa-Bhandura project site, a move aimed at supporting ongoing legal proceedings.
“The government is serious about the Mhadei issue. Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan’s suggestions are under consideration, and consultations will be held with the Advocate General and legal experts to decide next steps,” Sawant said.
Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar added that the CM will write to Karnataka’s Chief Minister requesting the aerial survey and that Goa will also seek an early hearing in the Supreme Court.
MBA convenor Nirmala Sawant said the delegation raised multiple demands during the meeting, including police cover for a Kankumbi-Bandura visit and fast-tracking the Supreme Court case.
“The CM has taken notice of this. Police protection will be provided for the visit, and the Karnataka government’s survey, along with our other demands, has been positively received,” Nirmala said.
Environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar emphasised legal oversight, saying, “An Advocate on Record should be appointed in Delhi to manage the Supreme Court matter, and Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav should put more focus into the damming and diversion issues.”
The delegation also stated that Dilip Naik, a retired Superintending Engineer, has been designated as the government’s Advocate on Record for the Mhadei Cell. He will represent Goa in discussions with Karnataka and before the tribunal.
The next steps, the delegation said, include setting a fixed date for the case, conducting the aerial survey likely in October, and coordinating with both the Union Environment Ministry and the Karnataka government. “The CM has committed to resolving the Mhadei issue and ensuring all measures, including police protection and legal representation, are fully in place,” Nirmala added.
