PANJIM: Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Prakash Javdekar ducked media questions on the highly debated diversion of Mhadei water by Karnataka. The issue that has racked up discussions and debates has also witnessed anger against the Goa government for failing to protect the State’s lifeline.
“CM (Pramod Sawant) will reply to the question because the matter is sub judice. Today’s press conference is not about this but on the Farm Bills. CM will reply (on the issue of Mhadei),” he said, clearly indicating his refusal to comment on the inter-state water dispute.
As the media insisted the union minister answer on Mhadei with repeated questions, Javdekar reiterated it was the domain of the CM to reply on the issue. “I am repeating it again that CM will reply. I will not comment on it today. Nothing is pending before us, because it does not come before us anyway. Finally, CM will reply elaborately,” he said.
Javdekar had called for a press conference on “Empowerment of Farmers” on Sunday morning, a day after he had marathon meetings with the farmers in selective parts of the State. CM Sawant, who was scheduled to co-chair the media briefing, had surprisingly opted out at the last minute with Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Chandrakant Kavlekar replacing him.
What’s also interesting to note is that during the union minister’s two-day visit, the issue of Mhadei was not discussed with the government.
When the media questioned him on projects in Mollem wildlife sanctuary, coal pollution and opposition to IIT at Melaulim; Javdekar said he will look into the matter if a memorandum is submitted to him. He soon exited the press conference hall refusing to answer further questions on projects which are being opposed due to environment reasons.
Against the backdrop of heavy opposition from the Congress, whose leaders demanded to meet him since his arrival in Goa; the press conference at Secretariat was held amidst huge presence of the police force.
