EXERCISE RESTRAINT: Politicos advised to speak wisely on Mhadei issue

PANJIM: State’s political leaders have been asked to speak wisely on the Mhadei issue as irresponsible statements could weaken Goa’s case before the Supreme Court. 

The above advice to the politicians came from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who on Monday at the Goa Legislators’ Day function, asserted that the State government is “very much concerned” about the diversion of Mhadei river water and is following up with the Centre on the issue.

Sawant informed that the government will also file an appeal in the Apex Court challenging the Central Water Commission’s (CWC) approval to the DPR submitted by Karnataka to Kalasa-Bandura drinking water project. 

“Though there is freedom of speech in the State, when it comes to the issue of Mhadei river water diversion, we should exercise restraint. While expressing your knowledge on Mhadei, in public, one should not misinform,” the Chief Minister said.

“Ensure that you don’t get carried away and make statements that are taken up in the Supreme Court. It will adversely affect our case,” he added. 

He said that the State has already approached Centre with demand to withdraw the permission granted and for the constitution of the Water Management Authority, which will help the State to get the water re-diverted. 

Earlier, Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Ramesh Tawadkar also appealed to all leaders not to politicise the issue but stand united in the fight against Karnataka. “There is no point in politicising the issue. We all need to work together…hold discussion…work out future action,” he said. 

Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao asserted that Mhadei River diversion is a serious issue and needs to be looked into very seriously by the State. He said that the Legislative Forum of Goa Assembly should conduct awareness on the subject. He also said that there should be detailed discussion in the House. 

Reacting to Sawant’s statement asking political leaders to speak wisely on the Mhadei issue Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao said, “Mhadei River dispute is subjudice for last many decades and political leaders are making statements on various platforms. It is our right to speak to protect Mother Mhadei.”

He further added “We demand full-day session to discuss Mhadei issue. Let government table all documents and White Paper on Mhadei. We want to pass unanimous resolution appealing to Prime Minister to intervene and withdraw the approval given to DPR of Karnataka. If Chief Minister Pramod Sawant fails to do it then he should resign on moral grounds.”