Panaji: As PRAWAH reportedly failed to note the violations of Karnataka, the Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Wednesday slammed BJP’s double engine government for compromising the ‘Mhadei’ river to gain political dividend.
Alemao said that members of Mhadei Water Management Authority (PRAWAH) had inspected the flow of Mhadei water at several sites of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka in July, but had skipped inspection at Kankumbi, which is the prime area of violation by Karnataka. This has now compelled the Goa government to write again to PRAWAH.
“Chief Minister Pramod Sawant always used his pet phrase ‘Bhivpachi garaz na’ (there’s no need to worry) over the Mhadei issue. But in reality, it is the opposite. It is a matter of apprehension that our mother is already diverted and the state government is doing nothing,” Alemao said.
“WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar had said that the government will file a third contempt petition against Karnataka for resuming work to divert Mhadei water to Malaprabha basin. But nothing has been done. This government is just giving assurance, nothing concrete is happening in regards to protecting Mhadei. BJP’s central and state leaders are involved in selling Mhadei to Karnataka, so they gain political dividend,” Alemao alleged.
“It is evident that the State government is compelled to make fresh submissions as PRAWAH has failed to note violations by Karnataka. It is shocking to note that the BJP Government at the Centre does not care about its engine in Goa. But Pramod Sawant always hoodwinked people by stating that our case is strong,” he noted.
The leader of the Opposition questioned why Pramod Sawant is shying away from taking an all-party delegation to the Prime Minister.
“What holds back the Chief Minister from taking an all-party delegation to PMO? What is the thing that the BJP government wants to hide” He questioned.
Alemao said that, though the House Committee was formed two years ago, only one meeting was convened, which exposes the BJP government that it is not serious about the issue.
Yuri Alemao warned the BJP government that his party will agitate again if it compromises the victory.
