Kalasa Nala site visit blocked by Karnataka; State to seek legal clarity as Mhadei battle intensifies
PANAJI
Goa government is contemplating moving the Supreme Court, pleading for a joint site inspection of the proposed Kalasa Nala project of Karnataka, aimed at diverting water from the Mhadei river, if the PRAWAH Authority fails to agree to their demand.
The Mhadei-PRAWAH (Progressive River Authority for Welfare and Harmony) held its 4th meeting in Bengaluru on Tuesday. During the meeting, Karnataka, represented by close to 30 officials, reiterated its opposition to the proposed site inspection by Goa, citing that the matter is sub judice and the Authority has no powers to interfere.
The PRAWAH, under Chairman Navin Kumar, has now decided to consult its counsel for legal opinion, considering that the Supreme Court is currently hearing a plea related to the Mhadei river dispute between Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Speaking to media persons, Minister for Water Resources Subhash Shirodkar said that Karnataka has once again raised objections to the joint site inspection, stating that the matter is sub judice and PRAWAH should not interfere in the matter and should wait for the Supreme Court verdict.
“PRAWAH, which during its last meeting decided to approach the Law Department, Government of India, for their view, has now been advised to consult their counsel and accordingly, PRAWAH has decided to consult their counsel and decide accordingly,” the Minister said.
Stating that Goa will continue to press for a joint site inspection, Shirodkar said that the State will wait for PRAWAH’s counsel’s opinion, following which the State will move the Supreme Court for necessary directions.
“Karnataka is objecting because they know that they will get exposed if a joint inspection is conducted. They know they are in violation and hence are scared,” Shirodkar said.
In July last year, following a request from the Goa government, the PRAWAH team had visited the Mhadei basin areas of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra. However, the team failed to inspect the actual diversion site.
This was strongly objected to by Goa, which through fresh communication in August last year, requested the Authority for another joint site inspection.
Meanwhile, renowned environmentalist and Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan leader Rajendra Kerkar has slammed the State government’s care-a-damn attitude towards the Mhadei river. He pointed out that while Karnataka was represented by 20–30 officials in the PRAWAH meeting, Goa saw the presence of only three officials.
“The lack of representation raises concerns about the Goa government’s seriousness on the issue. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and WRD Minister need to take this matter seriously,” Kerkar said.
“In the ongoing battle over the Mhadei issue, we have already lost ground, and if we are not vigilant, we will lose the remaining fight,” he said.
He pointed out that in Nerse village near Khanapur, the Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL) has started work on the Bhandura project, without any mandatory permissions, including that of the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL).
Kerkar said that the Mhadei Dispute Tribunal award will be reviewed in 2048. “Goa government will have to strengthen its stand by then or else the State may lose more water to Karnataka,” he warned.
