Team Herald
MARGAO: The ‘Save Mhadei, Save Goa’ group from South Goa hailed the massive response from citizens, as hundreds lit candles and diyas outside their houses on Sunday evening, as a mark of protest against the diversion of the Mhadei waters. Addressing media persons on Monday,
members of the group said the response shown by the public was not only overwhelming but it also showed how so many Goans are supporting the ‘Save Mhadei’ movement.
Adv Pratima Coutinho and activist Anthony Da Silva shared examples of what they had seen others do, and said such displays of solidarity by the
common man had shed light on a cause that needs the attention of the Goan population.
It was also pointed out that people from all backgrounds, communities and age groups had participated in the symbolic protest and even prayed for the ‘mother Mhadei’ and for the rights of Goa to be protected.
They added that this could be seen on the ground and on social media, with videos and pictures circulating widely.
Other members of the group also felt that the fact that the public is supporting the movement in such a big way has also helped the State’s campaign against the decision of the Central government to favour the poll-bound Karnataka state.
They reiterated that even though the Supreme Court had a hearing on Monday, their agitation will continue and that they are still protesting the decision of the Central government to grant an approval to the Karnataka government’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) on the Mhadei river diversion.
While welcoming the Supreme Court’s decision on the Mhadei issue, Vikas Bhagat said the group’s core members have convened a meeting to study what the SC has said.
Group members also pointed out that they are waiting to analyse Karnataka’s DPR as well.
