Mhadei Bachao Andolan challenges Sawant-led govt to resign en masse

PANJIM: The newly formed apolitical forum ‘Mhadei Bachao Andolan’ (MBA) of like-minded people has challenged the Pramod Sawant-led government to resign en mass if they are incapable of solving the ongoing Mhadei water diversion controversy within seven days. 

MBA, which was constituted to fight against the Central government’s decision to grant clearance to the alleged Kalsa-Banduri drinking water project in Karnataka, accused the State BJP of being hand-in-gloves with the Centre, in granting consent (for the River Mhadei diversion), to protect the party’s interest ahead of the by-polls in the neighbouring State. They pointed out that by doing so; BJP had compromised Goa’s interest. 

MBA, which saw two political parties- Aam Aadmi party (AAP) and Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) joining hands, claimed to have got the backing of 104 non-profit organisations along with Hindu, Catholic and Muslim religious institutions. 

Addressing the gathering, MBA president and former IAS officer Arvind Bhatikar gave a rallying call, saying, “Utt Goemkara…utt Goemkara…Mhadei Sambal…Goen Sambal”. 

MBA convenor and GSM chief Subhash Velingkar accused the BJP for indulging in politics on the Mhadei issue ahead of the by-elections in Karnataka. “The letter is a clear settlement between the Central government and the BJP governments in Goa and Karnataka. Goa BJP has kept its party’s interest above the State,” he said. 

Pointing out that almost 15 days passed since the all-party delegation approached Union Minister Prakash Javdekar demanding for the withdrawal of the consent letter granted to Karnataka, Velingkar said “this government should resign en mass if they are incapable of solving the issue”. 

“I challenge the Pramod Sawant-led government to resign en mass and threaten the Central government,” he demanded. 

The MBA leader also threatened to come on the streets as part of their fight to protect River Mhadei. 

The keynote speaker environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar added that it is very essential to withdraw the letter of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) given to Karnataka. “For the State of Goa, Mhadei River is the major lifeline whereas Karnataka has within its State, the benefit of several inter-state rivers apart from intra-state rivers,” he said. 

He also pointed out that the award given by the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal has been challenged and is pending before the Supreme Court. 

MBA convener and AAP chief Elvis Gomes also alleged that the government has compromised on the Mhadei issue. He urged the public to be alert and careful.