PANJIM: In a major setback to the State, the hearing before the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal, involving Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra has been deferred to April 27 on account of the Chairman, Justice J M Panchal, health reasons.
The Goa government was set to strengthen its case before the tribunal, as the State’s first witness, Head and Prof IIT Mumbai Dr Jyoti Prakash, was to depose on Tuesday. “The Goa team was all set today with its first witness to be present for deposition and cross examination,” Advocate General Atmaram Nadkarni said adding that the team is presently reviewing the entire matter.
The three States are in a dispute over the diversion of Mhadei. While Karnataka has planned 12 dams across river Mhadei, Maharashtra wants to construct four dams.
As per Water Resources Department, 28 per cent of the Mahdei basin lies in Goa, 52 per cent comprises of saline water. Mhadei’s total basin area is 1580 sq kms, with the State now left with only 827 million cubic meters (MCM) of water as against its requirement of 2460 MCM and hence the State might have to depend on the catchment areas of Karnataka and Maharashtra for water requirement.
As per the report, there are 30 villages scattered along the Mhadei basin, with areas being the home for several species including endangered bat species. There are four wildlife sanctuaries located in and around the basin.
Currently, the tribunal has issued a stop work order to Karnataka and Maharashtra. But, in Kankumbi, Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Ltd has hastened the ongoing work on the Kalasa canal project.
