Panaji, May 28 – Goa’s Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar announced on Tuesday that the state is still awaiting communication from the Mhadei Water Management Authority (PRAWAH) regarding a joint inspection of the Mhadei stretch. Despite eagerness from the Goa government and providing four potential dates for the inspection, no response has been received from PRAWAH.
Shirodkar informed reporters that while the Goa government is ready for the joint inspection, the absence of communication from PRAWAH remains a hurdle. He also mentioned that it is unclear whether Karnataka and Maharashtra have confirmed their availability for the inspection.
The Goa government had previously requested the joint inspection and sent four letters to PRAWAH on the matter. Sources indicate that PRAWAH has since reached out to Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa for information on the inspection sites.
Recently, Shirodkar warned Karnataka about the possibility of filing a third contempt petition for allegedly resuming work to divert Mhadei water to the Malaprabha basin. The Goa government is keeping a close watch on developments at the border areas, with Shirodkar emphasizing their vigilance and readiness to take legal action if necessary.
The Mhadei River, originating in Karnataka and flowing into the Arabian Sea in Panaji, covers 28.8 km in Karnataka and 81.2 km in Goa. Karnataka’s plans to construct dams on the river to divert water to its Malaprabha basin have been a point of contention, leading to ongoing disputes between the states.