PANAJI
The Goa government is set to approach the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal (MWDT) and Karnataka government for permission to conduct an aerial survey of the proposed Kalasa-Bhandura drinking water project. It also plans to request the Supreme Court for an early hearing on the Mhadei river water diversion case.
The decision came after a meeting on Monday between Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar, and members of the Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan (MBA), including Nirmala Sawant, Rajendra Kerkar, and Prajal Sakhardande.
Speaking to the media, Sawant emphasized that the Tribunal’s approval is essential for the survey. “The government is serious on the Mhadei issue and every suggestion made by MBA is under consideration. We will consult the Advocate General and senior counsel for next steps,” he said.
MBA has also requested a meeting with Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav to brief him on the contentious project, CM confirmed.
WRD Minister Shirodkar confirmed that Goa will formally seek Karnataka’s permission for the survey and press the Supreme Court for an expedited hearing.
The ongoing legal battle, involving special leave petitions by the three riparian States -- Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra -- and contempt pleas filed by Goa against Karnataka, has seen repeated delays, with the last major hearing in July 2023 and multiple deferrals this year.
MBA convenor Nirmala Sawant highlighted that Karnataka has already altered the ground profile of the Mhadei river diversion site. The group has requested police protection for the site inspection planned next month and recommended retired executive engineer Dilip Naik as the State representative for Tribunal and inter-state communications.
Environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar added that MBA is seeking an appointment with the Union Environment Minister to brief him on Karnataka’s diversion project, described by them as being carried out under the guise of drinking water. He said that Karnataka is making all efforts to put pressure on Central government for forest clearance to the project.
