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Sandesh Prabhudesai in Panaji
An all-party delegation from Goa is planning to meet central authorities on water resources and oppose Karnataka's 'sinister designs' to divert water of Mhadei river 'without sanction'.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has confirmed the delegation will meet Union Water Resources Minister Arjun Sethi on July 16.
The delegation will have representatives from all the parties in the Goa assembly.
"We will also demand sternest action possible against water resources secretary B N Nawlawala for manipulating a letter to release water to Karnataka," Parrikar alleged.
A verbal complaint to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was quickly followed by a written complaint by the state government to Vajpayee and Sethi in this regard.
Mhadei originates in the forests of Karnataka but flows mainly through Goa to join the Arabian sea as Mandovi river.
Karnataka, however, plans to construct at least seven dams and three hydroelectric projects, by diverting the Mhadei waters to Malprabha river.
The official figures indicate that Goa covers the catchment area of 1580 sq kms of the Mhadei basin, while Karnataka covers 375 sq kms.
While the matter is still pending before the CWC, Nawlawala has reportedly issued a letter to the Karnataka government, allowing diversion of 7.56 TMC of water.
Based on this letter, Karnataka has already assured drinking water for Hubli and Dharwar, besides seeking NTPC permission for hydroelectric purpose.
"I have also written to the forest and environment ministry not to allow any of these projects as they would prove ecologically disastrous," Parrikar said.
The all-party delegation will demand the Nawlawala to be sacked, Parrikar said.
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