Panaji: The Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Friday hit out at BJP saying the party leaders and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant have become incapable of fighting against Karnataka to protect Mhadei, due to which neighbouring state is continuing its attempts to divert water.
Alemao said that environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar, who is keeping close watch on Karnataka’s acts, has found that Karnataka Neeravaru Nigam Limited (KNNL) has started work to paipleines t Nerse village in Khanapur, however Goa government is sitting idle.
“Environmentalist and Goemkars have expressed concern over the attempts made by Karnayaka. But surprisingly our insensitive government and Chief Minister Pramod Sawsant is not bothered of Karnataka’s activities, They have given them free hand to do whatever they want, this is unacceptable,” Alemao said.
“Karnataka doesn’t have any mandatory permissions to restart the work. They have completed suryvey in Nerse. They don’t have permission from National Board of Wildlife, despite that they are infringing certain norms,” Alemao said
“Heartless and liar BJP stands exposed over Mhadei. It has allowed Karnataka to do whatever they want to divert Mhadei. Earlier, Home Minister Amit Shah had stated that a long dispute between Goa and Karnataka has been resolved allowing them to divert the river. This has come true now and because of this Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is doing nothing to protect Mhadei. He is more concerned to save his position than to protect Mhadei,” Alemao said.
“Pramod Sawant always used his pet phrase ‘Bhivpachi garaz na’ (there’s no need to worry). But now there is need to worry. Sawant can’t escape from the mess he has created over this grave issue. Even Water Resource Minister Subhash Shirodkar is equally responsible for the situation that arose, as he has failed to file a contempt petition against Karnataka,” Alemao said.
“Will Goa government file a contempt petition? BJP sold Mhadei to Karnataka for political dividend. Goans will fight for its right and to protect our Mhadei. Time and again it is proved that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is not serious over Mhadei and only hoodwinks people,” Alemao said.
He said that legal procedures and hearings cost an arm and a leg, but there are no results.
