PANJIM: The Mhadei water disputes tribunal, headed by Justice J M Panchal, on Thursday suggested that the chief ministers of Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra must try to reach an amicable settlement to the water dispute.
The tribunal said that “in the spirit of brotherhood in a federal system”, an amicable solution could be worked out.
Counsel for Karnataka Mohan Katarki, while welcoming the suggestion, said he would convey the tribunal’s suggestion to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The Counsels for Goa and Maharashtra, too, agreed to convey the same to their respective chief ministers.
The tribunal had in July rejected Karnataka’s plea seeking to use 7 tmc of water for the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project.
Karnataka witnessed widespread protests following the interim order. Following an all-party meeting, Karnataka moved the Supreme Court against the tribunal order.
Calls to Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar for his comment on the issue proved futile.
However, Parsekar has already refused to go for out of court settlement.
Additional Solicitor General Atmaram Nadkarni, representing Goa, told Herald that the tribunal has asked all the three counsels to speak to their respective chief ministers and come out with a solution.
“I will speak to Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and inform the tribunal accordingly,” he said.
However, Nadkarni said the proceedings in the tribunal will continue.
“We will continue to fight the case,” he said.
