PANJIM: The upcoming projects in the Mhadei River basin have not found support from environment activists who argue that the construction of dams, even minor ones, will damage the ecology.
Environmentalist and founder of Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan, Nirmala Sawant, fears a severe impact on the Western Ghats considering that a large number of trees will be felled for these projects. She also questioned the silence of successive governments for 22 years since the approval of the projects in 1998.
“Development should not be for the sake of it but for the people and causing no loss to the environment. With another 59 projects, it will be a loss to the environment. The government was in deep sleep for 22 years. The projects are meant to divert the attention. They (government) are trying to fool the people,” she said, clearly indicating her opposition to the projects.
Professor and environmentalist Prajal Sakhardande echoed a similar opinion stating the projects will spell doom for Goa. “The dams on the Mhadei will spell doom for Goa. Our lifeline, that is, Mhadei will be snapped,” Sakhardande said.
Also a historian, Sakhardande expressed apprehensions over the existence of natural heritage across the talukas in the basin. “Mhadei is feeding our Opa and Anjunem water works and hence we get potable water. All that would be lost,” he added.
Scientist Dr Joe D’Souza stated that Mhadei is turning out to be a lost paradise for Goa in the wake of developments against Goa’s lifeline. “Goa government should take it seriously and assign NIO and Goa University to do scientific research on the impacts of these projects on Goa,” D’Souza said.
Herald had reported on Wednesday on the 61 dams that are proposed to be constructed in Goa’s Mhadei basin. While two have already come up, 59 are on the anvil of which 10 are being taken up on priority.
However, conceding that water for drinking and irrigation purposes is the need, Sawant apprehended the projects would result in the felling of trees. “We need water no doubt. But as it is, the Karnataka government has already cut around 14,000 tress and another 16,000 will be felled for Bandura. Here in Goa, they will cut down a large number of trees for the projects,” she said adding, “What we need is fresh air and water will automatically follow.”
Sawant also recalled how then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had objected to a project in Sattari as it necessitated the felling of trees. She demanded respect for the Forest Act and to stop amending laws to benefit certain sections in the political circles.
No discussion on the Mhadei is complete without coming dow to the water diversion issue. D’Souza suggested that the research on the Mhadei basin should cover impacts of water diversion on Goa.
On the same issue, Sakhardande said, “We are in for big time trouble for our tiny State vis-à-vis a giant such as Karnataka. This draconian plan of the Karnataka government will kill our lifeline causing spiraling impact on the fresh water supply to Goa. Goa will turn into a water deficient State. The ground water table of our wells will also deplete. Salinity will rise causing damage to the marine, flora fauna and biodiversity of Goa.”
