Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The State government is set to approach the Supreme Court in the ongoing Mhadei River water dispute, following the House Committee’s approval of a proposal made by Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira.
Speaking after the committee meeting chaired by Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar on Friday, Ferreira said that the petition is likely to be filed in the first week of December.
He explained that the decision was prompted by dissatisfaction over the lack of progress since the committee’s previous meeting held in January. “We reviewed what has happened since our last meeting and found that no meaningful action has been taken,” Ferreira stated.
According to him, while Karnataka has continued to raise objections in the dispute, both the Goa government and the central oversight body Prawah have maintained that the matter is sub judice, as has the Union government, which referred it to the law department.
“Why is Prawah wasting time repeating that the issue is sub judice? Everyone keeps saying that, while Karnataka is not even allowing us inspection rights,” Ferreira said. “It’s essential to move the Supreme Court — to seek directions, an early hearing, and approval for a joint inspection.”
Ferreira also recalled that a previous joint inspection had led to three separate reports from Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, which created confusion. He has now suggested that a single consolidated report be prepared under the chairmanship of Prawah’s head, who could issue a final conclusion even in case of differing opinions.
“One comprehensive report should be submitted by Prawah’s chairman. Even if there are divergent views, the chairman can give a conclusive recommendation,” he added.
The committee has accepted Ferreira’s recommendations and established a timeline to implement them.
The decision marks a significant shift in Goa’s strategy on the long-running inter-state Mhadei River dispute, which involves competing claims by Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra over water sharing and diversion projects — most notably the Kalasa-Banduri project.
