Goa CM rules out ‘out-of-court settlement’ on Mhadei issue
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 08 January 2016 15:05 IST
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar once again today ruled out the possibility of out-of-court settlement on Mhadei issue.
The issue has arisen afresh with defence minister Manohar Parrikar assuring Karnataka to take initiative for out-of-court settlement on the crucial issue of diversion of Mhadei River water.
When asked for his reaction, Parsekar expressed total ignorance over what Parrikar, Goa’s former chief minister, assured Karnataka people yesterday in Dharwad.
“I am not aware what he has said. But that doesn’t change my stand”, he clarified.
Parsekar even ruled out the possibility of having bilateral talks with Karnataka government on the issue.
“I am not interested in talks when the issue is before the Mhadei water dispute tribunal”, he said.
Karnataka plans to divert 7 TMC water from Mhadei River to Malprabha River to solve the drinking water problem of Dharwad and surrounding areas.
After building Kalsa-Bandura canals from Kankumbi to divert the water in violation of even court orders, Karnataka is now desperately trying for an out-of-court settlement over the issue.
While Goa government is not responding to all kind of public actions Karnataka resorted to including Karnataka chief minister seeking Parsekar’s appointment, Parrikar yesterday assured agitating Karnataka people to take initiative for bilateral talks.
“Raksha Mantri is a senior person of our party and I cannot object to what he says. But that would not change my stand”, he said.
He also wondered why Parrikar did not discuss the issue when he met him yesterday after returning from Dharwad.
