The long-standing Mhadei river dispute has taken a fresh turn after Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said he has urged the Karnataka government to withdraw its pending cases in the Supreme Court to facilitate project clearances, a move that has drawn sharp objections from Goa environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar.
Speaking to the media, Joshi said he had requested the Karnataka government to withdraw the pending litigation to remove administrative hurdles and expedite approvals related to the Kalasa-Bhandura project. He added that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had responded positively and that the issue could be resolved through cooperation between the Centre and the state.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Major and Medium Irrigation Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the state is actively examining its legal options, including the withdrawal of its pending Supreme Court case, to speed up the Kalasa-Bhandura project.
Reddy said the matter would be discussed with the Chief Minister, the Advocate General and senior legal experts before a final decision is taken. He added that work on the project could resume once the government finalises its stand.
Reacting strongly to the developments, Goa environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar said any move affecting Goa's interests was unacceptable as the matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court.
Kerkar stressed that the natural flow of the Mhadei river into Goa must be protected and restored. He also opposed the diversion of water through the Kalasa, Bhandura and Haltara projects, warning that such projects could have serious ecological consequences for Goa.