PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant admitted that the Karnataka government is carrying out works to divert the Mhadei river within its own jurisdiction, and stated that the Goa government cannot intervene or issue directions in such cases.
Responding to a related question by Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco on the Kalasa-Bhandura project during Day 2 of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Sawant said, “Karnataka is undertaking Mhadei-related works within their jurisdiction. We cannot intervene or stop them at that level. However, they do not have mandatory permissions, including forest and wildlife clearances.”
He added that the government plans to file a fresh contempt petition before the Supreme Court based on recent media reports highlighting ongoing activity in the Kankumbi region.
The debate sparked a major uproar, with Opposition MLAs rushing to the Well of the House demanding additional time to discuss the Mhadei river diversion issue. The Speaker later granted time, allowing members to express their concerns.
Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar described Mhadei as “a burning issue” and asserted that the Goa government has been proactive. “We are monitoring every movement of the Karnataka government. They have constructed illegal underground structures, and as soon as we found out, we filed objections before the Supreme Court and the NGT,” he said.
Shirodkar informed the House that the matter has been pending before the Supreme Court since 2018. Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra have submitted compiled documentation along with inspection reports. “We are awaiting fresh hearing dates. We had requested a joint inspection with the Tribunal. Although the committee, headquartered in Goa, did conduct a visit, many of our key concerns were left unaddressed,” he added.
However, the Opposition remained unconvinced. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao alleged that Karnataka continues to divert water from the Mhadei unchecked while the Goa government remains “a silent spectator.” “This inaction will one day lead to a water war between North and South Goa,” he warned.
When Shirodkar pointed out that the Congress party is in power in Karnataka, Alemao countered that the core issue lies with the Centre’s failure to withdraw Karnataka’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) on Mhadei.
Meanwhile, GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai announced that he is resigning from the House Committee on Mhadei, calling the committee “a joke” and lacking seriousness. He urged the government to dissolve the panel, stating it has failed to meaningfully safeguard Goa’s water interests.
The government informed the House that ten interlocutory and contempt applications have already been filed before the Supreme Court. Opposition MLAs, however, demanded weekly updates and a special discussion on the issue, raising alarm over Karnataka’s continued provisions for the Kalasa and Bhandura projects, which they say pose a grave threat to Goa’s water security.
