the goan I network
MAPUSA
Asserting that the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal verdict was a blow to the State of Goa, former union minister and State Congress leader, Ramakant Khalap said the award spells disaster for Goa.
He also called for the resignation of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and further said that MGP and Goa Forward Party had no moral right to continue in the government.
“Goa has miserably lost. The Mhadei Water Tribunal Award spells total disaster for Goa. GPCC demands not just an explaination or apology from the BJP-led government but resignation of the chief minister who kept feeding Goans on false hopes,” Khalap said.
The Congress leader was reacting to the preliminary excerpts of the Award according to which the Tribunal has awarded almost twice the demand of Karnataka.
“Karnataka had claimed for 7.56 TMC ft of water while the tribunal has awarded them 13.5 TMC which is almost twice their claim. Goa government has spent crores on so called protection of Goa’s interest before the tribunal. The Award is a total sellout of Goa’s interests,” Khalap opined.
The tribunal on Tuesday allocated 5.5 TMC ft water to Karnataka, including 1.5 TMC ft for use within the Mhadei basin and 4 TMC ft for diversion to Malaprabha reservoir.
The tribunal headed by Justice J M Panchal also permitted Karnataka to produce electricity at Mahadayi hydroelectric project by using 8.02 TMC ft of water.
Khalap drew the attention of a meeting between Parrikar and Yeddyurappa convened by BJP national president, Amit Shah on the eve of Karnataka elections which was subsequently followed with a letter sent by Parrikar to Yeddyurappa offering talks on the water sharing issue.
“What Jhumla they cooked is now explicit,” he retorted.
Stating that the coalition partners – MGP and GFP – have no moral right to continue in the government, he said both the parties should abandon the ship in the larger interest of Goans.
He said long term effects of the verdict were predictably ominous.
“Large forest cover will be lost. Saline water will travel up-to the foothills and damage underground water table crops and gardens. Potable water sources, tourism and industry will be badly affected,” he said.
