Team Goemkarponn
Porvorim; The Goa Legislative Assembly on Tuesday erupted in uproar over the Mhadei river diversion issue, with the Opposition launching a scathing attack on the Pramod Sawant-led government for its alleged failure to act decisively against Karnataka’s continued attempts to divert the river’s waters. The heated debate exposed serious concerns over the government’s strategy and its lack of transparency, even as Karnataka pushes ahead with works within its territory.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao accused the state government of being a “mute spectator” and warned of an impending water conflict within Goa itself. “The Goa government hasn’t acted to save the Mhadei. Karnataka is actively diverting water while the government remains silent. If this continues, there will be a fight for water between North and South Goa,” he cautioned. Alemao placed the blame squarely on the Centre for not withdrawing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) approved for Karnataka, calling it the real root of the crisis.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, responding to the accusations, admitted that Karnataka is undertaking works within its jurisdiction but asserted that no clearances—particularly forest or wildlife—have been granted. “We cannot interfere in their jurisdiction or issue directions. However, we are monitoring the developments closely and will file a fresh contempt petition before the Supreme Court based on media reports,” he said. Sawant added that the state has already filed ten interlocutory applications and contempt pleas in the apex court.
Despite the CM’s assurances, dissatisfaction among Opposition MLAs grew louder. AAP MLA Venzy Viegas demanded that the government provide weekly updates to the House and the people, arguing that the silence around the issue was unacceptable. “We need to know where the fight stands. The people of Goa deserve that transparency,” he said.
GFP President and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai ridiculed the government-backed House Committee on Mhadei, noting that it last met in January. “What’s the point of having a committee that doesn’t meet? Better to dissolve it. I’m ready to resign from it,” Sardesai declared, intensifying the pressure on the government.
WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar attempted to defend the administration’s approach, stating that the matter was before the Supreme Court and expressing confidence that Goa would get legal relief. However, he also took a political swipe at the Congress, noting that it is in power in Karnataka. This remark drew a sharp response from Alemao, who reiterated that the failure lies with the Centre and not with any state government alone.
The debate revealed growing frustration across party lines about the handling of the Mhadei dispute, with many MLAs demanding a more proactive and aggressive approach. The government’s admission that it cannot stop Karnataka’s actions within its own jurisdiction only deepened concerns about Goa’s ability to protect its vital water resources.
As the House concluded its fiery discussion, one message was clear: Mhadei is not just a river—it is a political and ecological lifeline that Goa cannot afford to lose. The pressure is now on the government to back its legal actions with visible, assertive political engagement and transparency.
