Team Herald
PANJIM: Opposition leader Yuri Alemao launched a sharp attack on BJP leaders and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday, accusing them of failing to defend Goa’s interests in the River Mhadei water dispute with Karnataka. Alemao alleged that this inaction has allowed Karnataka to persist in its attempts to divert the Mhadei’s waters, considered Goa’s lifeblood.
In his statement, Alemao referred to environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar, who has been monitoring Karnataka’s activities. According to Kerkar, Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL) has begun laying pipelines to facilitate the water diversion at Nerse village in Khanapur, without securing mandatory permissions, including approval from the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL).
“While environmentalists and concerned Goans have raised alarms about Karnataka’s actions, our government and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant remain indifferent, giving Karnataka a free hand to continue their diversion efforts,” Alemao said.
He criticised Karnataka for proceeding without the necessary clearances. “Despite having no permissions from the NBWL, Karnataka has gone ahead with its survey and started the work at Nerse, violating several norms,” Alemao added.
The opposition leader accused the BJP of betraying Goa, stating that “the heartless and liar BJP stands exposed over Mhadei.” He cited an earlier remark by Home Minister Amit Shah, who had claimed that the dispute between Goa and Karnataka was resolved in Karnataka’s favour. “This has come true now, and because of this, CM Sawant is doing nothing to protect Mhadei. He is more concerned about saving his position than protecting the Mhadei,” he remarked.