Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jul 22: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant acknowledged in the Goa Legislative Assembly that Karnataka is carrying out construction related to the controversial Mhadei river project within its own territory, and the Goa government cannot intervene directly.

Replying to a query from Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco regarding the Kalasa-Bhandura diversion, Sawant stated that while Karnataka lacks necessary permissions—such as forest and wildlife clearances—Goa cannot stop activities taking place within Karnataka’s jurisdiction. “We plan to file a fresh contempt petition in the Supreme Court based on new media reports of ongoing work in the Kankumbi area,” he added.

The issue triggered a ruckus in the House, with Opposition MLAs demanding more time to debate the matter. Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar eventually allowed members to voice their concerns.

Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar called the Mhadei issue “burning,” and said the government is actively monitoring Karnataka’s activities. “Illegal underground structures were found and we immediately filed objections in the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT),” he said. The case has been pending in the apex court since 2018, with compiled reports from Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra awaiting further hearings.

Despite assurances, the Opposition accused the government of inaction. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said Goa has become a “silent spectator” as Karnataka diverts water unchecked. “This inaction could one day spark a water war between North and South Goa,” he warned.

Shirodkar noted that the Congress-led Karnataka government should also be held accountable, but Alemao pointed fingers at the Centre for not withdrawing Karnataka’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) on Mhadei.

In a dramatic turn, Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai resigned from the House Committee on Mhadei, calling it ineffective. “This committee is a joke. It has failed to protect Goa’s water interests,” he said, urging the government to dissolve it.

The government revealed that ten contempt and interlocutory petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court so far. But Opposition MLAs demanded weekly updates and a dedicated Assembly session on the issue, arguing that Karnataka’s continued Kalasa and Bhandura project works endanger Goa’s water security.