HERALD: What are your observations on Goa's submissions in the Tribunal as the battle on water diversion is nearing completion?
Ramakant Khalap: Goa has put up a good fight so far. Our legal team led by Advocate Atmaram Nadkarni has done a commendable job and (witness and environmentalist) Rajendra Kerkar's testimony is invaluable. It is a very important issue and provisions in the law do not permit transferring water from one basin to another, which the Karnataka state is upto. At first, it said they need water for agriculture while later they intended using the water for industrial purpose, and finally they settled for drinking. This shows their intention is not correct.
HERALD: Are you confident that Goa will win the case against Karnataka?
Khalap: I think Goa can expect a favourable award, particularly on the ground that inter-basin transfer of water is not permissible. There is enough potential of portable water within Karnataka’s Malaprabha basin, all of which flows in abundance during the monsoon. Why do they need Goa’s share of water? Moreover, they are already ready to set up 12 dams along Goa’s border wherein the flow of others rivers towards the western side will also be diverted to their state. If they succeed in Kalsa-Bhandura matter, they will go for other rivers too.
HERALD: BJP says Congress had only done the administrative job for making way to set up the Mhadei Water Disputes Tribunal. What is your take on this?
Khalap: When Digambar Kamat was CM of Goa, the issue of arbitrating between the two states came up and the only solution was setting up of a Tribunal. Therefore, he pushed for it and got the Tribunal set up.
HERALD: What is your comment on allegations that then Congress led government had granted NOC for water diversion to Karnataka?
Khalap: This allegation is not supported by any documentary evidence. Even if in the past Congress gave NOC, that would have been only to use water within the basin. The context of the letters has to be seen, and it has not been made public by the present set up.
HERALD: What is your reaction to the current crisis consequent to the letter by Goa CM to BJP Karnataka Chief?
Khalap: CM Manohar Parrikar's letter to Yeddyurappa has complicated the issue. It is a short term political gain. Party’s (BJP) interest has overtaken interest/welfare of the State. It should not have been allowed to override long term interests of the State of Goa as Karnataka may use the letter to our detriment. Why is he (Parrikar) trying to divert the issue t discussion when we are putting up a good fight in the Tribunal? Parrikar should have conveyed to him that the matter is in Tribunal and we stick to our stand.
