Team Herald
PERNEM: Mhadei Bachao Andolan on Tuesday held a peaceful rally from Pernem Administrative office to old Pernem bus stand to create awareness among the people of Pernem the importance of Mhadei issue.
Earlier, the activist group submitted a memorandum to Pernem Deputy Collector Chandrakant Shetkar calling upon the government to protect Mhadei River.
Addressing people of Pernem, Convener of Mhadei Bachao Andolan Arvind Bhatikar said, “As per scientists, Mhadei River is 111 km long and 78 percent of Mhadei River flows in Goa. There are several minor internal water sources that join with River Mhadei and if these links are broken by constructing damns and bandhs at different spots then Mhadei will not receive enough water to flow”.
Bhatikar said that parts of Karnataka such as Dharwad, Belgaum and Gadhar face shortage of water throughout the year. Taking into consideration the shortage of water, the farmers should grow crops that require less water. However, he said, farmers there grow sugarcane which requires almost 50 to 60 percent water extra and the government here has no control over it.
“If they misuse water through such activities then how can they ask for diversion of water?” Bhatikar asked.
“We should fight for our rights and fight to get the rightful amount of water,” he said.
Referring to the statement made by RDA Minister Michael Lobo who said that Bardez is already facing shortage of water, Bhatikar said that if Karnataka diverts water then one should understand what level of struggle people will face in near future.
“If water is diverted, salinity of sea water will increase affecting the marine life. If mining is restarted then during low tide, transportation of barge will be stopped,” he warned.
“Government moves ahead only when the people push the government ahead. Goa Government is more relaxed, no matter whose government it is — BJP, Congress or any other. Also, when there is a coalition government, then, they have no responsibility towards the people other than fulfilling of their personal motives,” Bhatikar said.
Coordinator Subhash Velingkar said that people elected 40 MLAs and later these 40 MLAs formed the government.
“Once they are elected as MLAs they do not remain as party but become of the people. Since we pay for all their amenities and still they fail to fulfill their duties then there is no need for these people to remain in power for five years,” he said.
He said that the foundation stone for Khalsa Bhanduri project was laid in 2006 and Karnataka has already diverted water. “Goa Government and the Centre are aware of this activity. Goa Government is fooling the people. The BJP is ruling at the Center due to which what the central ministry says is final word for Goa government. When Mhadei dispute began, it was the people through Mhadei Bachav Abhiyan approached the court. Goa Government did not go to the court,” Velingkar informed.
