15 Aug 2018 | 06:26am IST
Verdict will be detrimental to Goa’s water needs: Kerkar
The verdict will have long term effects with drinking water shortage possibly expected in the long term
PANJIM: Social activist and environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar says the Tribunal’s verdict of allocating 3.9 TMC of water to Karnataka will be detrimental for the state of Goa.
“In 1999, Goa government in Assembly had resolved unanimously that Goa is a water deficient state but it has not been able to provide evidence supporting the resolution, which has created problem for Goa as the tribunal has awarded 3.9 TMC to Kalsa Bhandura, 1.5 TMC in basin use and 1.5 TMC for hydrological purposes,” Kerkar told Herald.
He further said that this is going to create water as well as environmental crisis in Goa.
“Karnataka government insisted for allocated of 36 TMC of water from Mhadei this has not been agreed by the Tribunal. The area where Karnataka has taken the project has a proposal of Bhandura damming and diversion, is ecologically sensitive,” he says adding “So project is going to cost not only ecology but also drinking water needs for the State of Goa.”
He pointed out that while allocating water to Karnataka Tribunal has put the condition that they should obtain necessary environmental clearance.
“Goa government should now focus attention to restrict Karnataka from obtaining clearances from wildlife and environment angles,” he added.
