PANJIM: The opposition parties in Goa have reacted strongly to the Supreme Court decision allowing the notification of Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal. The opposition also attacked Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant as the State did not object to Karnataka’s application.
“Black Day in Goa as Goa government remains silent on Hon’ble Supreme Court’s decision to notify the award of Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal diverting water from our Lifeline Mother Mhadei to Karnataka. We will now intensify people’s agitation against the insensitive government,” Opposition Leader Digambar Kamat said. He added, “This is nothing but match-fixing of the BJP.”
MGP MLA and former Deputy Chief Minister Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar said that the SC order was a major setback for Goa. “Major setback to the State. With this order, Goa is totally in trouble as Union Minister Prakash Javadekar has given a letter to Karnataka that after notification of order of tribunal they can start work. My question to CM and BJP chief, what are they going to do now?” he asked.
Dhavalikar said that with Mhadei water diversion there will be scarcity of water in Assonora, Khandepar and Poddocem Dabos and parts of Sanquelim.
Goa Forward president and former Dy CM Vijai Sardesai said that Karnataka prayed to go ahead for gazette notification of Mhadei Tribunal Order and Goa didn’t object. “Goa played into the hands of Karnataka which can now officially go ahead with Khalsa-Bhanduri Project as Prakash Javdekar promised Karnataka in letter of 24/12/19,” Sardesai said.
“This clearly indicates that Mhadei has been sold out and Karnataka has actually played a good game and Goa has held under the table understanding with Karnataka and Centre,” he said and added, “This move is suicidal for the state of Goa.”
Reacting, Aam Aadmi Party leader Valmiki Naik said that at every stage in the fight to protect Goa’s interest over Mhadai water rights , the BJP Government has betrayed the cause of Goa. “The weak presentation before the Supreme Court of our case, the unwarranted letter to Yediyurappa by the then CM late Parrikar and targeting of people who were raising their voices for Mhadei rights are several instances of betrayal by this government. Not only today’s but generations to come will not forgive them. The CM should resign,” Naik said.
