PANJIM: The Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) on Wednesday said that the verdict given by Mhadei Water Dispute tribunal (MWDT) is unfortunate and Goa Government has failed to save Goa’s lifeline Mhadei. 

GSM President Atmaram Gaonkar alleged that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s letter to Karnataka BJP chief B S Yediyeruppa weakened Goa’s case before the tribunal.

Goa’s demand for water was 122 TMC but allotted was only 24 TMC which is only 20% of the demand. Tribunal allowed 5.5 TMC to be diverted into Malaprabha and 8.2 TMC for hydroelectric project, he said. 

“The bad effects of this will be faced by Goans in times to come. The breeding of fish in Mandovi will be reduced, rise in sea water level, reduction of sweet water, reduction in forest cover, reduction in the ground water table, more severe problems of drinking water, bad effects on agriculture and overall bad effects on economy of Goa are the effects of diversion of water,” Gaonkar said.

“In such situation it is surprising that the state government is celebrating the verdict. All the parties in the Government should clarify to Goans the basis for celebration,” GSM demanded.