MARGAO: The Chinchinim-Deussua village panchayat body has decided that at its next monthly meeting, it will pass a resolution urging the Central government to withdraw the permission given for the Karnataka government’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) on River Mhadei.
“We will be having our monthly meeting on January 3; so the resolution will be put up then,” said Frank Viegas, panch member.
He added that all the village panchayats of Goa should follow suit as the issue impacts the entire State. “Panchayat bodies all over Goa should come forward to take a New Year’s resolution to save the River Mhadei by demanding that the Central Government should immediately withdraw the approval given to Karnataka’s DPR,” Viegas added. This decision comes against the backdrop of the major political controversy where the State government is being criticised by the Opposition for its failure to stop the Karnataka Government for getting the approval for the DPR and also for failing to take adequate action against the neighbouring State for the work already carried out to divert the Mhadei River, which is considered the lifeline of Goa. Union Minister and North Goa MP Shripad Naik has already offered to resign if the Central government doesn’t take corrective measures immediately while Goa’s Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister are expected to speak to the Prime Minister, Home Minister and the Union Water Resources Minister in this regard, soon.
