Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's proposal urging Karnataka to withdraw its pending Supreme Court cases related to the Mhadei river dispute has received support from Karnataka's Major and Medium Irrigation Minister Ramalinga Reddy, even as Goa-based environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar has strongly objected to the move, saying it could undermine the state's interests.

A few days ago, Joshi said he had urged the Karnataka government to withdraw its pending Supreme Court petitions on the Mhadei dispute to remove administrative hurdles and expedite clearances for the Kalasa-Bhandura project. He said Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had responded positively and expressed confidence that the issue could be resolved through cooperation between the Centre and the states.

Backing Joshi's proposal, Ramalinga Reddy said Karnataka is examining its legal options, including the withdrawal of its pending Supreme Court case. He said the matter would be discussed with the Chief Minister, the Advocate General and senior legal experts before a final decision is taken. Reddy added that once a decision is reached, work on the Kalasa-Bhandura project could resume without delay.

However, environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar opposed the proposal, stating that the Mhadei dispute is currently before the Supreme Court and should be resolved only through the judicial process. He said any move that compromises Goa's interests would be unacceptable.

Kerkar reiterated that the Mhadei-Mandovi-Zuari river system is Goa's lifeline, providing drinking water to nearly 43 per cent of the state's population. He warned that the proposed Kalasa, Bhandura and Haltara projects would divert water from the ecologically sensitive Mhadei basin, threatening forests, wildlife and Goa's long-term water security.

Calling for the protection of Goa's water rights, Kerkar urged that the Mhadei's natural flow towards Goa be restored and the proposed diversion projects be abandoned.