Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday affirmed that the Goa government is seriously committed to protecting the Mhadei river and is actively considering the suggestions put forth by the Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan (MBA). During their recent meeting, the MBA delegation requested permission to visit the alleged diversion sites in Karnataka, where water diversion projects are reportedly underway. Sawant clarified that any such visit would require prior approval from the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal, adding firmly that the state will not cross its legal boundaries.
Sawant also mentioned that the government will hold consultations with the Advocate General and other senior legal counsels to carefully evaluate the MBA’s recommendations and strengthen the state’s position in the ongoing water dispute. The MBA members had stressed the need to protect Goa’s lifeline, the Mhadei river, and urged for urgent measures to stop Karnataka’s diversion projects that threaten ecological balance and water availability in Goa.