Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering position on the Mhadei river dispute, stating that the administration is relentlessly pursuing the matter with the concerned authorities, particularly PRAVAH (Project Appraisal and Monitoring Authority for Water Resources Projects), to ensure timely site inspections and submission of their report.
“We have remained firm in our stance regarding Mhadei. The government is consistently following up with PRAVAH, urging them to expedite the process of site inspections and submit their report at the earliest,” said the Chief Minister, underlining the urgency of the situation.
In a further step towards strengthening the state’s position, the CM added that the government is also pushing for a fresh joint site inspection to be conducted with the participation of all concerned stakeholders, including technical and legal teams. “It is critical that the inspection reflects the current ground realities and that every stakeholder has a clear understanding of the implications,” he said.
The Mhadei river, also known as Mandovi in Goa, has long been at the center of an inter-state water dispute involving Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Goa has consistently raised concerns over the diversion of water from the Mhadei basin by Karnataka, which it argues would have a detrimental impact on the ecological balance and water security of the state.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the state’s approach to the issue remains legally sound and environmentally focused. “We are committed to safeguarding Goa’s interests, and we will not relent in our efforts. This is not just about water—it’s about our environment, our forests, and the rights of future generations,” the CM said.
The state government is also preparing to present any new findings from the site inspections as evidence in its legal arguments, should the matter escalate further. The CM reiterated that Goa will continue to take all necessary administrative, legal, and political measures to ensure that justice is served in the Mhadei matter.
Sources within the water resources department confirmed that communications have been regularly sent to PRAVAH and other central agencies, requesting that the inspection be scheduled without further delay.
As the dispute continues to be closely watched by environmental groups, legal experts, and the general public, the CM’s statement is likely to reinforce Goa’s stance at both the national and regional levels.
