The Mhadei imbroglio has galvanized the perennially agitated Goan, all over again. Perennially agitated, yes, but totally incapable of finding a lasting solution to his / her state of agitation. That’s a Goan for you.
So, what’s the agitation all about? Karnataka , our neighboring state, and big brother and even bigger bully is all set to divert, in brazen violation of river sharing norms, mega gallons of our Mhadei river for their drinking water, agrarian, hydroelectric and industrial use.
A thirsty Goa, be damned! And that’s the key of the issue. A thirsty Goa be damned!
In their minds, Goa and Goans are a bunch of dim witted, corrupt, morally bankrupt clowns so we will run legal and extra legal circles around the legendary, puffed up nincompoops.
And, in that assessment, I agree with them, they are bloody well right.
So, step in a few good men and women (and maybe some not so good men and women) to fight our battle for water. (Which of course most Goans give less importance to, than alcohol)
1. At the top of the list is the newly minted Mhadei Bachao Andolan, made up of stalwarts like Arvind Bhatikar, Subash Velingkar and Elvis Gomes and the incredibly credible water warriors Rajendra Kerkar and Nirmala Sawant.
Of course, you may not agree with the parochial, conservative politics of Velingkar or the narrative and methods of AAP. But this is not about anyone’s politics it’s about your repeat your drinking water and future.
2. Prajal Sakhardande and Hema Sardesai, erstwhile cheerleaders of Manohar Parrikar and who may have not been as strident if he was around in similar circumstances, are also lending their voice to the agitation and theirs are always passionate, credible voices when it comes to our environment. So like Hema or Prajal or not, this is about your water and future.
3. Congress: Except for Girish Chodankar and his team, some of whom spent prison time for your cause, the rest of the Congress wily and devious charlatans can never be trusted. But this ain’t about the Congress this is about your water and future.
4. Goa Forward and their Supremo Jack de Sardesai. This is singularly the most untrustworthy lot in Goa, by a mile. Heard that even a barge pole, is frightened of touching them. But this is not about Vijai’s convenient opposition because he’s a lost babe in the woods. Again, it’s about your water and future. Hence, tomorrow if captains of industry suddenly find their inner voice (just kidding) and back the agitation, if members from within the ruling party create a din just to embarrass Sawant or indeed even if Pramod Sawant himself finds the urgent need to fight for Goa and Mhadhei, because even Dodamarg may run dry, grab that help for all its worth because it’s about your future and water.
Moral of the story then is that every single Goan in his moment of sobriety must create a din a real noise about this issue from whichever platform they feel comfortable on.
This Mhadei threat is very real, people. Our culture and language and caste and religious wars can wait. Because even if we have to Yell and fight with one another on these issues as we always do we will need at least a glass of water to clear our throats.
