Panaji: As the centre has failed to respond even ten days after Goa delegation met Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Mahadayi issue, Goa Forward Party Chief Vijai Sardesai has said that water diversion issue has been kept on backburner by the central government.
An all-party delegation led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had met Javadekar in New Delhi on November 4 after which they were assured by the latter to respond back within ten days.
Goa was protesting against the letter issued by Union Environment ministry to Karnataka clarifying that no Environment Clearance was required for the project on Mahadayi river planned by them.
“When CMs have their attention elsewhere, it is but natural that pressing issues like revocation of #Mhadei water diversion approval by MoEF fall on the backburner! Or does central Govt take @goacm lightly? But petition of @Goaforwardparty in #NGT will hopefully give Goa justice,” tweeted Sardesai, a former Deputy Chief minister of the state.
Sardesai who was part of the all party delegation has also moved to National Green Tribunal against Central government’s letter to Karnataka.
While Chief Minister was not available for his comments, Gajanan Tilve, General Secretary of BJP Yuva Morcha’s State unit said that the central government has been serious about the issue.
“We are sure that the solution would be worked out for the issue. The central government will withdraw the letter,” he said.
Goa and Karnataka are fighting two decade long battle over the diversion of Mahadayi river water.
