Team Herald
PANJIM: Aam Aadmi Party, Goa has taken a strong stand on Mhadei river issue saying they will do everything to protect it.
AAP convenor Rahul Mhambre said Union Environment Minister Prakash Javdekar has through his arrogance snubbed the entire state of Goa.
“A Union Minister’s visit would usually be an opportunity for the citizens of the State to receive some clarity on the many environmental decisions taken by the Centre and the State and air grievances. But once again BJP has proved that they don’t care about Goans. Javdekar brushed aside any chance of discussion or query. We can only assume that he felt this was a weekend holiday for him,” Mhambre said.
He said the Karnataka government is BJP, Goa is ruled by BJP and Central Govt is of BJP and despite this, the Mhadei’s water has been diverted.
“Mhadei is our mother; she has been a source of farming and rich biodiversity for Goa. The way BJP has betrayed our mother, we all have seen it. We will not allow this to happen”, said.
“Why hasn’t Javdekar had any discussion with farmers before the passage of these black laws harming them? Are those in the BJP office enough to take a call for all farmers? Javdekar has not answered what will happen to our water table now that the water from the Mhadei River has been diverted. The diversion of water flow will lead to increase in salinity in Mhadei River and it will lead to ecological devastation,” he said.
“While the entire State is up on various environmental issues like those around double tracking and coal transport is it fair for a Union Minister to ignore these issues under his jurisdiction,” he asked.
“Goa received a very distinguished tourist this week. I say tourist because no responsible Union Minister would come to a State and then not answer questions about his portfolio when citizens have been desperately trying to get answers,” Mhambre added.
