Team Herald
PANJIM: Refuting reports that he is against an out of court settlement on the Mhadei issue, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Saturday said that though he is open for talks there would be no compromise on Goa’s interest as far as Mhadei is concerned.
Following the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal asking that the issue be solved amicably by Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis had called for a meeting of the CMs of the three states on October 21. However, Parsekar sought that it be postponed citing prior appointments.
“On Mhadei issue we held an all-party meet and counsel Adv Atmaram Nadkarni said that there was no specific order to sit and reach an amicable solution. It was just a comment or a casual remark,” Parsekar said.
However, he added that since it was a judge’s remark he respected it and despite opposition from all corners agreed for talks. “I got a letter from the Maharashtra CM saying we will meet on Oct 21 but I replied immediately saying due to my prior engagements it is not possible. Further, I told him within next 15 days suggest some two three dates and whichever is convenient I will inform immediately,” Parsekar said.
He added, “Reports suggesting that I have refused talks are false. There is no question of that. I think that Goans should know. Even though I will be present for the next meeting, there will be no compromise on Goa’s interest,” he said.
Parsekar said Goa’s stand is clear on the issue. “In basin use of water can be done by any State but we will not allow water to be diverted elsewhere. Neither the law allows it, nor will we allow it,” he said.
