Goemkarponn Desk
PORVORIM: The state government led by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant faced bombardment of questions from the Opposition benches over its intention to resolve the nearly two-decade-old legal battle with Karnataka on the Mhadei water diversion.
Opposition also slammed the government for not opposing the notification of Mhadei Water Disputes Tribunal’s award about distribution of Mhadei water among the three states – Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The MLA, supported by Independent legislator Rohan Khaunte, pointed out to Water Resources Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues’ reply to a starred question that legal counsel did not oppose the notification. “On basis he has not accounted for, the counsel did not oppose notification of the Award on his own accord,”
“Mhadei’s salinity report should have been done in the month of May but was not done,” said Khaunte
Khaunte added to the discussion alleging prolonged delay in the hearing of the SLP. “When the mining petition can be taken up for hearing in the Supreme Court, then why can’t Mhadei? It is a question of Goa’s identity, ecology, flora and fauna,” he said, while demanding an answer from the government on how it will ensure expedite hearing of the case before the apex court.
Urging to protect Mhadei and its water that has already been illegally diverted by Karnataka, Khaunte further alleged that the Tribunal order continues to be violated even as it is debated in the House.
WRD Minister Filipe Neri said that the question of recognizing Mahadayi Bachao Abhiyan’s petitions did not arise because the Supreme Court held that the application of the Mahadayi Bachao Abhiyan was not at all concerned with the water dispute with regard to the Mahadayi river which was pending before the Tribunal.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, defending his legal team, said an advocate who represented the State for many years has been replaced. He also emphasized that Goa has insisted to the Supreme Court to hold a physical hearing in order to present evidence against Karnataka.
“The special leave petition filed before the SC challenging Mhadei tribunal award on river water diversion is listed for hearing on Sept 9,2021,” said CM Dr Pramod Sawant to House
The National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee has submitted to the Jal Shakti Ministry, the report on the salinity of River Mhadei due to the proposed water diversion by the Karnataka government.
The Jal Shakti Ministry had then entrusted a study on salinity to the NIH and its scientists visited Goa three times to establish observation sites on the Mhadei River and its tributaries.
