Mahadayi row: Centre, Goa reject state's offer
The decision of Union government, however, goes against the stand of PM Modi that CM Siddaramaiah should talk CMs of Goa & Maharastra first
BENGALURU: In a major set back to the state government’s initiative for amicable settlement of the dispute over sharing water of the river Mahadayi, the Union government and Goa government have rejected the offer for an out-of-court settlement.
The decision of the Union government, however, goes against the stand of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should talk to Chief Ministers of Goa and Maharastra first. Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Goa, Lakshmikant Pareskar, also declined to settle the issue amicably.
Official sources said Union water resources minister, Uma Bharati, has written to Mr Siddaramaiah saying it would be inappropriate for her ministry to intervene at a time when the Union government has constituted Mahadayi water disputes tribunal to adjudicate disputes between Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka and the issue was pending before the tribunal.
She has also stated that “during pending of any matter before the tribunal the process of negotiation can be initiated if all parties agree before the tribunal. However, at present, there is no such proposal from the states of Goa and Maharashtra.”
Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar has written to Mr Siddaramaiah: “as you are aware, the issue is before the tribunal with all the connected state submitting their pleading and issues have already been framed. The people of my state feel it is more prudent to settle the dispute through the tribunal. As the case is proceeding at a fast pace in the tribunal, it would not be appropriate to hold a dialogue on the issue at this stage when the matter is sub-judice before the tribunal. You (Siddaramaiah) will also appreciate that adjudication and award of the tribunal can be expedited if contesting states co-operate with the proceedings and do not hamper the regular hearing by introduction of interlocutory applications.”
Patil: Decision unfortunate
Water resources minister M.B. Patil described the decision of Goa government as most unfortunate and against the interests of people of Karnataka.
The minister slammed leaders of the state unit of BJP for not adhering to their assurance that they would convince BJP government in Goa for an out-of-court settlement.
“If these leaders were sincere in their efforts to convince their colleagues in Goa, Mr Parsekar would not have written such a letter to our Chief Minister”, Mr. Patil added.