His explanation was that this is not a recent matter but one that has been occurring over a period of time and that it can be taken up through other platforms like a calling attention or zero hour mention. There being another session next month, and this being a single day’s session, whose purpose was to ratify a Central Bill, the Mhadei motion was not taken up. But in his address to the House, Governor Satya Pal Malik did make a mention of the issue, stating that the government is conscious of the issue and that efforts are being made to prevent the diversion of water from the River Mhadei outside its basin.
The opposition has been seeking a discussion in the Assembly on the Mhadei issue since October, when a tweet by Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar revealed that Karnataka had been given environmental approval for their Kalasa-Bhanduri water diversion project on the River Mhadei. The government has not acquiesced to this request of a special session, but the chief minister did lead an all-party delegation to meet Javadekar, an indication that the government is aware that Goa needs to stand as one on this issue. Why, then, is the same government reluctant to engage in a debate on the issue? A discussion on the Mhadei issue in the Legislative Assembly, besides clearing a number of doubts, would also portray to Karnataka that Goa is serious when it comes to protecting the waters of the river.
Since the November 5 all-party Goa delegation meeting in Delhi with the Union Minister, there have been various developments in the Mhadei issue that have not been in favour of Goa. First there was a delay in replying to Goa’s demand, and then days after holding the October letter in abeyance, the Centre dispatched another letter to Karnataka, which is the cause of the current controversy. This letter stated that since neither the EIA notification 2006 has been kept in abeyance, nor the rule which clarified that drinking water projects do not require EC, Karnataka could start the work on Kalsa Bhanduri project once the Tribunal’s award is notified in the gazette and the State gets necessary forest and wildlife permissions.
The debacle on the Mhadei issue, where Karnataka has got the upper hand, indicates that Goa needs to reenergise itself to claim the space that is has lost in the discussion. A debate on the issue would have redeemed the government’s position to some extent. In the past few weeks it has been clear that the State government and leadership have failed to present Goa’s case in an appropriate manner. This has led to speculation of a weakened State leadership that is unable to defend Goa’s stand on the issue. Is this why the government is skirting having a discussion on the Mhadei? Is it afraid that it may not have the right answers to the opposition’s questions and falter in its reply? Goa cannot postpone the Mhadei discussion, it has to be held and a strong message of unity sent to the Centre and Karnataka.
We are all too aware of the case in the Supreme Court, but the Mhadei issue cannot be left only to the lawyers to defend. The elected representatives must be heard and their suggestions considered. A discussion could elicit solutions, rather than being an occasion to point fingers at what was not done. It is when a discussion is not held, that the finger pointing becomes evident. Goa needs solutions, and a debate could have ensured this.
