Environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar said this is the first time he has seen river water not flowing in its natural course.
“The river takes a complete U-turn as you have seen and the stream towards Goa is completely blocked with mud,” he said. (see pics)
He said it is time the State government takes up the matter seriously and asks the Supreme Court (SC) to intervene.
The river, originating from Parward village in Karnataka, and flowing towards Goa has been diverted at Kalsa in Kankumbi towards Karnataka in reverse direction, he said.
Kerkar added that in 2015, Karnataka had built an embankment and a bandh for diversion of water in the Malprabha basin. “There are hidden holes in the canal built by Karnataka and that is why the water is flowing towards Malprabha,” he said.
Kerkar added that according to the Indian Wildlife Act 1972, the flow of water towards a reserved forest and protected area cannot be altered.
“…but Karnataka has diverted the water before the SC order. This is clear case of contempt against the Mhadei Tribunal order,” he said.
He said the State has placed the matter before the tribunal and the Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan will also file another petition before the SC. “This is a dreadful situation for Goa and we need to act now,” he said.
