Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: Both the Ruling as well opposition MLAs during the House Committee meeting on Mhadei have demanded nationally reputed environmentalists be appointed to study the ill effects of River Mhadei diversion by Karnataka.
Also, it was demanded that a report should be submitted before the Supreme Court of India to strengthen Goa’s case.
“We have demanded that nationally reputed environmentalists be appointed to study ill-effects of River Mhadei diversion by Karnataka,” said Ruling & Opposition MLAs during the House Committee meeting on Mhadei.
House Committee Chairman Subhash Shirodkar said that the house committee on the Mhadei water diversion would appoint consultants and experts to submit reports on the ill effects of the pursuit by Karnataka within the next 20 days.
“We have been fighting the Mhadei river dispute battle at the administrative level. During the House Committee meeting, we discussed in detail,” said Shirodkar.
Shirodkar said that he has also apprised Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat that if Mhadei’s water is diverted, it will affect the UNESCO-listed Western Ghats and also destroy six wildlife sanctuaries, including Bhimgad Sanctuary situated in Karnataka.
“Goa has strongly opposed any move to divert water outside the Mhadei basin,” WRD Min said.
AAP MLA Captain Venzy Viegas said that Goa should strengthen its case based on environmental grounds against the River Mhadei diversion.
“As of now, the government is only building cases on Karnataka diverting water without nods. If nods are given tomorrow, Goa’s case will be lost,” said Viegas.
Goa Forward MLA Vijai Sardesai slammed the meeting, claiming that it was only an exercise to pass the time till the Karnataka elections are held.
“If the top persons in the government are compromised, there is no point in the discussion. CM Sawant should be summoned by house committee,’ he said
