Team Herald
PONDA: Gautam Gopinath Naik and his sister Disha Naik from Kaavgaal - Savoiverem at Priol have created a masterpiece ‘Save Mhadei’ on the burning Mhadei diversion issue through wall painting at their residence.
They aim to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Mhadei River, which is the lifeline of Goa and provides drinking water, supports agricultural activities, and sustains wildlife. The painting depicts the distress of the river due to Karnataka’s diversion plans, which could turn Goa into a desert.
Gautam also visited the Mauli temple at Kankumbi, the river’s origin, and highlighted the destruction caused by the diversion in a scene. He expressed concerns that only a small portion of the diverted water is used for agriculture, while the majority goes to industries. The paintings envision a bleak future for farmers if the river is not preserved, with droughts and dried-up lands
Not only the Mhadei river, he also created paintings to give a message to protect the age-old Shitolem lake and village plateau.
His masterpiece is attracting a large number of people who have appreciated the youth for the unique concept.
Gautam said, “Every year at our residence there are decorations on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, but this year, I have created public awareness about social issues through my art.
If Goa is to survive, saving our Mhadei river is absolutely necessary. If Mhadei water is blocked, it will destroy drinking water sources and turn agricultural land into a desert.”
Gautam said that only 20 per cent of the water is for agriculture , while 80 percent of the water diverted to Malaprabha river will be supplied to the industries.
In his wall painting, he has depicted a scene of a farmer staring at a bleak future in the next 25 years with the river completely dried up. Gautam said that if Mhadei is declared as a tiger reserve, this can prevent a crisis in Goa.