PANJIM: As a fall out of the political intervention from BJP central leadership to the ongoing infighting between Goa and Karnataka over Mhadei River water diversion, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on “humanitarian” grounds has agreed for bilateral discussion on the issue of release of “reasonable and justified” quantum of water for drinking purpose to Karnataka.
However, the Chief Minister made the Government stand clear that “State interest will not be compromised and their opposition continues to the issues pending before the Mhadei Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT)”.
In a letter addressed to party’s Karnataka chief B S Yedyurappa on Thursday, Parrikar has said that in-principle the state will not oppose the reasonable and justified quantum of water meant to be utilised for drinking.
“However, the same needs to be discussed bilaterally as suggested by the Honourable Tribunal,” Chief Minister said adding ‘it is needless to mention that the discussion shall be without prejudice to our rights and contentions before the Tribunal, none of which are even touched by this letter’.
MWDT is hearing a water diversion plea between Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra, wherein Karnataka has requested for diversion of 56 TMC of water from Mhadei basin while proposing construction of 12 dams across the river.
During a joint meeting with BJP national president Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday, Yedyurappa mentioned a letter to Parrikar pertaining to the utilisation of 7.56 TMC of water from Mhadei River for drinking purpose which is the need of drought-prone areas of North Karnataka.
Parrikar has said in his reply, which is based following legal advice from the Additional Solicitor General of India, Atmaram Nadkarni (but in his capacity as the government of Goa’s legal counsel) stated “The Issue of drinking water although is one of the issues pending before the tribunal, in-principle, the state of Goa would not oppose the reasonable and justified quantum of water meant to be utilised for drinking,” “Government of Goa understands that access to the drinking water is a basic human need. Hence, it is to confirm it to you that on humanitarian grounds, Government of Goa is willing to consider the request to work out an amicable settlement strictly restricted to drinking water only to the drought-prone areas,” the Chief Minister stated.
“I appreciate your concern over the drinking water issue of the people and assure to extend the best possible cooperation in the matter,” he stated.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Parrikar said that the State is yet to decide the exact amount of water which would be allowed to Karnataka, which would be worked out only after bilateral talks with the neighbouring state.
“For now I have just agreed for bilateral discussion without working out any formula at this stage. We will place the bilateral agreement before the Tribunal. Will also work out a monitoring mechanism, with Goa being part of the mechanism,” he said.
The Chief Minister recalled that the tribunal had also suggested that both the states should explore possibility of mutual agreement on the issue of drinking water. “In short, I am going with the stand I had taken in 2002 that we can make proper arrangement if there is requirement of water for drinking purpose, we can consider it,” he said.
“But we will not compromise the state’s interest. We will not allow Karnataka to use water the way they want. That issue is before the tribunal. Don’t worry, I have been fighting the Mhadei issue very diligently and with all vigour,” Parrikar replied when asked whether it is worthwhile to trust Karnataka, considering its past instances of violations.
The Chief Minister said that Goa does not trust Congress chief minister of Karnataka hence the letter is written to Yedyurappa. “The letter is not under any political pressure. As party president Amit Shahji has right to hold joint meeting and discuss,” he stated, expressing confidence that by the time bilateral discussion works out, “BJP will be in power in Karnataka”.
Karnataka will hold the Assembly elections in 2018.
