PANJIM: As the State government gears up for the all party meeting to
discuss an amicable solution to the Mhadei water dispute with Karnataka and
Maharashtra, the Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan (MBA) has threatened to approach the
National Green Tribunal (NGT), if ‘political appeasement’ leads to the
government failing to protect the interests of the State.
MBA, following the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal (MWDT) directing the
three states to explore an ‘amicable’ solution to the dispute, is also making
attempts to list its case, filed in 2006 before the Supreme Court, for an early
hearing. In 2006 the abhiyan has challenged Karnataka’s continued attempts to
divert the Mhadei waters to the Malprabha river basin through the Western Ghats
region. It had alleged gross violation of the Wild Life Protection Act 1972
while praying for protection of wild life and forests.
Speaking to Herald, MBA secretary Rajendra Kerkar said an amicable
solution with Karnataka and Maharashtra will hamper the State’s interest. “When
the State has won half the battle, finding an amicable solution at this stage
is not advisable and could hamper the State’s interest,” he said.
Kerkar said he will be putting across his points during the all party
meeting called by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar to decide on the matter, on
October 10.
“If the State government in a bid of political appeasement tries to
compromise State interests, we will approach NGT against Karnataka, Maharashtra
and Goa government. Our thrust would be protection to wildlife and forests,” he
said adding that the Kalsa Bandura project is within 300 meters radius of the
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
Stating that attempts are also on to bring the case pending before the
Supreme Court on board on priority, Kerkar said the Apex Court decision would
be more crucial than the matter pending before the Mhadei Water Tribunal.
“Central Empowered Committee (CEC) had inspected the gross violations
of the canal work by Karnataka, which was taken up without obtaining
environmental clearances from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest as
well as the National Board of Wildlife,” he said.
Karnataka plans to construct at least seven dams and three
hydroelectric projects, by diverting the water to the Malprabha basin. In a
major victory to Goa, the tribunal in August had dismissed Karnataka’s plea for
diversion of 7tmc of water, apart from its existing claim for 56tmc.
Karnataka has almost completed the work of Kalasa canal. The term of
Mhadei tribunal was extended by one more year up to August 2017.
