Amidst uproar and a stalemate in the Lok Sabha—with the Opposition putting the Government on the back foot over attacks on students and other contentious issues—South Goa Member of Parliament Captain Viriato Fernandes has highlighted a range of Goa-specific concerns, including the Mhadei river dispute, the Karapur project, fishing, Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation, agriculture, railways, and citizenship for Persons of Indian Origin (PIO).
Mhadei River Dispute and Karapur Project
Fernandes has consistently raised the Mhadei (Mahadayi) water-sharing dispute, opposing Karnataka’s Kalasa-Banduri Nala Diversion Project (KBNDP), which Goa alleges would divert 7.56 tmcft of water annually and harm biodiversity and agriculture in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. The Centre has informed Karnataka that environmental and forest clearances for the Mhadei drinking water project will only be considered after the Supreme Court resolves the long-running interstate dispute with Goa. Separately, the High Court has declined to stay technical clearances and construction licences for the ‘One Goa’ project at Karapur, Sarvan, despite petitioners alleging violations of a Supreme Court status quo order.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
ST Reservation and Political Rights
Fernandes has demanded immediate implementation of political reservation for Goa’s Scheduled Tribe community, noting that while the Lok Sabha passed the bill on May 5, it has not yet been introduced in the Rajya Sabha, raising concerns about whether ST reservation will be in place for the 2027 elections. He has described ST communities as “original Goans” who have cared for hills, farmlands, and rivers but have been denied their due rights.
Fishing, Agriculture, and Railways
On fishing, Fernandes has flagged issues affecting Goan fisherfolk, including livelihood threats from airport operations and port policies, while also calling for protection of local heritage in infrastructure projects such as the Bhoma bypass. In agriculture, he has linked land and water concerns to the Mhadei dispute and broader pressures on farmlands. On railways, he previously raised the Velsao double-tracking “encroachment” issue during Zero Hour, alleging that Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) blocked access to homes and that a case was filed against Velsao Sarpanch Diana Gouveia for protecting villagers.
Citizenship for PIO and Other Demands
Fernandes has also advocated for citizenship or streamlined status for Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) with Goan roots, alongside administrative demands such as a dedicated Goa postal service (currently under the Maharashtra circle) and action against alleged bogus voting and electoral roll irregularities.
