Panaji: Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said that he will soon lead all legislative party delegation to meet the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home minister Amit Shah and Jalashakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat opposing the approval granted by the centre to Karnataka for Detailed Project Report of two dams on Mahadayi river.
Sawant on Monday called for a special cabinet meeting to discuss the issue after Karnataka chief minister Basavraj Bommai announced the centre has given clearanace for DPR on Mahadayi river.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sawant said that Goa government will not have any compromise on the Mhadei issue. He said that the diversion of water by constructing dams on Kalsa and Bhandura will affect the drinking water requirement of the people living in North Goa district.
He said that the cabinet has decided to lead all legislative party delegation to the PM, Union Home Minister and Jala Shakti Mantrayala to express objection for the approval granted for the DPR by Karnataka.
Expecting cooperation from the opposition parties, Sawant said that the opposition should not create issues for the sake of opposition. “Everyone should be united as Mahadayi is a lifeline for us. I again reiterate, Mahadayi is like a mother to me,” Sawant said.
The chief minister said that state of Goa has been pressing for the constitution of water management authority, with representation to each of the state.
Sawant said that the approval granted for the DPR is in principal as Karnataka will have to get permission fro Environment and Forest Ministry, which will not be possible as Mahadayi river runs through a wildlife sanctuary.
