PANJIM: Claiming that the State will lose control over six major rivers after their nationalisation, the Congress on Monday raised apprehensions about the possible diversion of Mhadei (Mandovi) river water to Karnataka in the future as part of “political obligations”.
“With nationalisation, Centre will hold control over these six rivers and also the land constituting the river beds and banks which will spell disaster for the people of the State,” Leader of the Opposition Pratapsingh Rane told media persons.
Rane said, “Under such a situation, it is quite possible that owing to political obligations, the Centre may divert water from Mhadei to Karnataka. “Post nationalisation of Mandovi river, we may not even have the right to fight before tribunal (Mhadei water dispute tribunal),” the former chief minister said.
“We have no idea which party will rule in Goa next or Karnataka next, so there is this fear,” he added. The Centre has proposed nationalisation of six rivers – Mandovi, Sal, Mapusa, Zuari, Cumbharjua and Chapora.
Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra are fighting a legal battle before the Mhadei Tribunal over diversion of water from the river. The Tribunal has set aside Karnataka’s claim for 7tmc of water but its main petition for 56tmc is pending.
Earlier, Congress State unit President Luizinho Faleiro alleged that the BJP-led government’s decision to nationalise rivers is anti-Goan and pro-corporate, which will have far reaching adverse effects on the demography and livelihood of Goans. “Despite giving assurance on the floor of the House that the stakeholders would be taken into confidence, how can government grant its consent?” he questioned.
Congress announced it would participate in the protest called by Goa Forward on October 5 to oppose nationalisation of rivers. “The Congress strongly opposes any moves of the government to nationalise Goan rivers. Irrespective of party affiliation, I appeal to the people to protest this decision, we will support Goa Forward in this,” Faleiro said.
