PANJIM: Even though Goa claimed that Karnataka cannot start work on the Kalasa-Bhanduri project as there is a matter pending before the Supreme Court, the government on Thursday admitted that construction works undertaken by the neighbouring State have resulted in the ‘natural diversion’ of Mhadei river water to the Malaprabha basin.
Addressing media persons, Water Resources Minister Felipe Neri Rodrigues, urging people not to panic, said that Union Environment and Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar’s recent letter to the Karnataka government stating that the Kalasa-Bhanduri project does not need environmental clearance, has no legal standing before the Supreme Court. The court will be hearing the State’s special leave petition challenging the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal (MWDT) award on January 31.
Rodrigues admitted that despite the Supreme Court directing in a contempt petition that no work be carried out, Karnataka has gone ahead and constructed in such a manner that water from the Mhadei basin is ‘naturally’ diverted to the Malaprabha basin.
He said that WRD engineers inspected the site last week, and a detailed report with photographic evidence has been prepared to produce before the Supreme Court during the contempt petition hearing on January 20. “Karnataka has constructed the culvert in such a way that the water is naturally diverted from Mhadei. We will bring this to the notice of the Supreme Court,” Minister said.
Earlier this year, Goa had filed a petition under Order 39 Rule 2A of Civil Procedure Code, for disobedience and contempt. It had been filed for acts carried out by Karnataka which resulted in violation of the order of injunction that no water should be diverted through the canals which were ordered to be blocked.
Clarifying on the recent letter issued by Javadekar to Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Rodrigues said that the communication has no legal standing in the Supreme Court. “These letters will have no legal standing before the Supreme Court as far as our matter is concerned. We should not get disturbed with their communication,” he said, adding that he will seek further legal opinion on whether these letters will have any relevance in the Court.
The Minister said Karnataka is looking for an escape route through such communication since Goa has a strong case before the Supreme Court. “We are sure we have a strong case before the Supreme Court and that is why Karnataka is struggling to seek clarification. Goa government is not confused as far as the case is concerned. Karnataka is looking for an escape route. If required, we will even challenge these letters before the Court,” he said, adding that if the Centre takes Goa for granted, the State will challenge this decision too.
Rodrigues said that Javadekar’s recent letter also clears apprehension of people of Goa that the Mhadei water cannot be diverted just by way of writing letters or correspondents. “Ministry has clarified that the matter is before the Supreme Court, the tribunal award has to be notified unless and until it is notified, they cannot seek permission and start work,” he said, adding that in order to notify the tribunal award, the Centre has to wait for the Supreme Court outcome.
