NEWSLINKS US EDITION SOUTH ASIA COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL DEAR REDIFF THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES US ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
Sandesh Prabhudesai in Panaji
With Karnataka already on a sticky wicket over the Cauvery waters dispute with Tamil Nadu, the state received another setback on the issue of the diversion of the waters of the Mandovi river in Goa.
The Centre has kept the controversial letter in abeyance, issued by the Central Water Commission to Karnataka five months ago, giving in-principle clearance to partly divert waters of the Mandovi river, also called the Mhadei river.
"This is our first victory," Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said.
Goa's all-party delegation had urged Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to withdraw the letter and act against the officer who had issued such a letter.
Though around 80 per cent of the Mandovi flows through Goa, Karnataka plans to divert the water at its origin in its own territory, to the Malprabha river.
Goans are already up in arms against the plan, as this would result into the whole of North Goa getting dried up.
CWC Secretary B N Nawalawala had issued a letter to Karnataka on April 30, 2002 -- one day prior to his retirement -- granting in-principle clearance to divert 7.56 tmc feet of water for drinking purpose in Hubli and Dharwar.
Following objections from the Goa government and allegation that Nawalawala was 'gifted with an extension for the illegal job', the secretary was shifted immediately. His controversial letter has also been now kept in abeyance.
The Centre has also urged both the states to resolve the issue with an agreement, failing which the water resources ministry plans to set up a tribunal to settle the dispute.
Goa, however, maintains its earlier stand not to allow any kind of diversion as it would spell ecological doom for the whole Sahyadri range.
Karnataka plans to construct at least seven dams and three hydroelectric projects, by diverting the waters to the Malprabha river. Goa covers 1580 sq kms of the catchment area of the Mandovi basin, while Karnataka covers only 375 sq kms. It also includes 76 sq kms of catchment area in Maharashtra.
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
