TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024
Team Herald
PONDA: Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party Marcaim MLA Sudin Dhavalikar objected to the salinity study conducted by two scientists in the Mhadei River basin, started on the request of State government, on Friday.
Dhavalikar pointed out that this is not the right time to conduct the salinity study and it should be done between the months of March and May.
He said, “On Thursday, two scientists from National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee visited to conduct salinity study in Mhadei River basin. Goa witnesses one of the highest rainfalls in India and just when we are at the end of this rainy season, there is no doubt that salinity in Mhadei River will be at lowest if compared throughout the year.”
“I hope this is not another backdoor plan to allow Karnataka in diverting Mhadei River water. If this salinity report is considered by Ministry of Jal Shakti to give any NOCs (like they did in past) for river diversion then it will be a catastrophic disaster. I object to this study as it is not at the right time and request the Chief Minister to keep a watch on the developments after this report is submitted,” he mentioned.
“The salinity study has to be started from March 15 and to be conducted at various intervals up to May 15 which will give exact situation of rise in salinity in Mhadei River. Also rather than conducting study in the upper basin of River Valvanti as water from Anjunem Dam at Chorla Ghat is drained into this river, it is required to check salinity near our water treatment plants from March 15 to May 15 and see how it rises over the time,” the MLA said.
