Team Herald
PANJIM: As the opposition cornered the government over its failure to receive any communication from the Central Ministry on the Mhadei matter, even 10 days after the all-party delegation met Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Thursday said he is expecting a reply in the next few days.
Speaking to media persons, Sawant cited Javadekar’s busy schedule for the delay as the Minister also handles Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises. “We are expecting a reply in a few days. Union Minister must have been busy with other important commitments,” Sawant said.
On November 4, Javadekar had assured the all-party delegation in New Delhi that he will give a ‘satisfactory reply’ on the Mhadei issue, within 10 days. The delegation led by the Chief Minister had approached Javadekar seeking immediate withdrawal of the environmental consent granted to Karnataka’s Kalasa-Banduri project.
Congress and Goa Forward Party have questioned government over failure to receive communication from the Centre.
“On the 10th day today, the darker side of Prakash comes to light. What @goacm @DrPramodPSawant has to say about @BJP4India conspiracy to give EC to Kalasa-Banduri project in connivance with @BJP4Karnataka and @BJP4Goa through @PrakashJavadekar,” Congress president Girish Chodankar tweeted.
GFP chief Vijai Sardesai alleged that the water diversion issue has been kept on the backburner by the Centre. “When CMs have their attention elsewhere, it is but natural that pressing issues like revocation of #Mhadei water diversion approval by MoEF fall on the backburner! Or does central Govt take @goacm lightly? But petition of @Goaforwardparty in #NGT will hopefully give Goa justice,” Sardesai tweeted.
