PANJIM: The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has urged Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to resign as a mark of protest against the Central government’s failure to protect Goa’s interest in the Mhadei River diversion issue.
Addressing the media persons on Friday, GFP MLA Vinod Palyekar accused the Central government of surrendering to the demands of Karnataka on the Mhadei issue.
“The recent letter by Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hints at surrendering to Karnataka’s demand while ignoring Goa’s interest and plea,” Palyekar said.
The former Water Resources Department Minister alleged that the Centre has taken State for granted and hence are least bothered about its demands and plea to protect Mhadei River.
“As a mark of protest, I urge, Chief Minister to step down. Let us all come on the street and fight to give justice to our Mhadei River,” he said.
The demand comes a day after Shekhawat in a letter to the Chief Minister said that Karnataka and Maharashtra do not need any consent of Goa for Kalsa-Bhandura Project, though they require permissions as per law from different ministries and authorities.
The Centre, however, has also appointed, National Institute of Rorkee to study the salinity in Mhadei River as demanded by Goa before diversion of water.
