Bengaluru/Belagavi/Panaji, January 3: War of words has erupted between Karnataka and Goa on the issue of Mahadayi River issue.
Goa has strongly objected to the Centre’s decision to give green signal to the Detailed Project Report of Karnataka on the Kalasa – Banduri project.
Kalasa – Banduri project envisages drawing 13.42 TMC water from Mahadayi river as awarded to Karnataka by Mahadayi River Water Disputes Tribunal in 2018.
Following this award, Karnataka had prepared and submitted a DPR which was accepted by the Centre recently.
However, Goa has objected to the project on the ground that the state will fall short of water for irrigation purpose and terrorism-related activities.
In fact, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has demanded a special tripartite meeting on the issue. Sawant has also threatened to issue legal notice to Karnataka for drawing water from its wildlife sanctuaries which, according to Goa CM, was a threat to the flora, fauna and wild animals in that state.
However, Karnataka water resources Minister Govind Karjol has dismissed Goa’s claims and asserted that Karnataka was well within its rights to utilise its share of water for irrigation and drinking water purpose.
Karnataka wants to utilise Mahadayi River for drinking water purpose in the district of Hubli-Dharwad and Gadag.
EOM
#MAHADAYI RIVER #DRINKING WATER PURPOSE #HUBLI DHARWAD #GADAG #GOA GOVERNMENT #Chief Minister Pramod Sawant #CHIEF MINISTER BASAVARAJ BOMMAI
