Goa not to negotiate with Karnataka on Mhadei issue
GOANEWS DESK | 30 January 2010 15:15 IST
Goa chief minister Digambar Kamat will meet Karnataka chief minister B S Yediyurappa on 5 February, but to tell bluntly that Goa is not interested in any kind of negotiations on the Mhadei (River Mandovi) issue.
A joint meeting between two state ministers has been convened by union water resources minister Pawan Kumar Bansal.
"I have also decided to convene an all-party meeting to take a united stand on the issue", said Kamat.
Goa cabinet, which met today in the capital, decided to honour the central minister's request, but with a firm stand that they would not negotiate with Karnataka on the water diversion of Mhadei.
Goa is opposed to Karnataka's plans to set up Kalsa-Bandori Nalah drinking water project.
The minister said the state would effectively place its views on the proposed project, which envisages utilisation of 7.5 tmc ft of water from the river to provide drinking water in Hubli-Dharwad areas.
Karnataka has been opposing the Centre's move to set up a tribunal to adjudicate the dispute.
The Goa cabinet today also supported the stand taken by the cabinet sub-committee, which met yesterday, to stick to tribunal without any more negotiations.
Mhadei originated in Karnataka, but flows more in Goa and is called river Mandovi once it crosses Sattari. The life of six talukas - Sattari, Bicholim, Ponda, part of Sanguem, Bardez and Tiswadi is fully dependent on this river.
Besides Opa Water treatment plant, five sanctuaries, vegetation and tourism-related and mining-related economic activity is also fully dependent on this longest river of the state.
"There cannot be any compromise on the issue. We are firm on our stand not to allow any diversion", said Goa water resources minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues.
Cases are already pending before the Supreme Court. In spite of the court prohibiting Karnataka, the southern state has gone ahead with the construction of canals to divert Mhadei water at Kalsa-Bandori.
Goa has filed a contempt petition in this regard. An experts' committee, set up by the Supreme Court, has recently visited Goa and Karnataka to study the issue.
Dear Mr. Digambar Kamat and Hon. Chief Minister, my humble request to you is not to buldge even and inch of the River Mhadei to Karnataka. Mhadei should run as it runs since God created it. We the Goans stand firmly behind you and know that we are hand in hand with you for this good work. Be stern.
Thousands of litres is getting wasted by letting water into sea without used by humans. If this is the attitude of people of goa. Then definitely a tribunal has to be setup or Supreme court has to intervene in this matter.
How can we kannadigas listen to people who dont have humanity. It is great hearted people that we are asking to resolve the issue and use the water for drinking purpose. After all the river is born in karnataka, Mind you!!!!!. What kind of people are these who dont even have common sense. After all supreme court has ruled that the waters first preference is drinking purpose. Your case is too week.