Panaji, Aug 7 (IBNS): Despite severe opposition on diversion of Mhadei River water to Karnataka, the neighbouring state has completed 45 percent work on constructing canal for diverting water, the Goa legislative assembly was informed Tuesday.
Goa Minister for Water Resources Dayanand Mandrekar speaking during the calling attention motion said the inter-state dispute will be heard through a special leave application filed before the Supreme Court on August 13, 2012.
“Nearly 45 percent of the construction of the canal has been completed in the non-forest areas,” he said.
Independent legislator Vijay Sardesai asked the government to take a decision in the interest of the state as BJP is in the ruling in both the states.
“The Goa government should seek a political solution to this water dispute also because BJP is in power in both the states,” he said.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar intervened saying he will not sacrifice Goa’s interest in the water dispute.
The government has been opposing the construction of canal to divert the water of Kalsa-Bhandura tributaries to Malaprabha.
Both the states have been in dispute since more than half-a-decade over the Mhadei water diversion which originates in Karnataka and meets Arabian Sea at Panaji. The diversion through dams constructed across the River will dry up the Mandovi River, which is considered Goa’s lifeline.
