Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jul 23: The ongoing Mhadei river dispute sparked a fiery debate in the Goa Assembly on Monday, with Opposition MLAs launching a scathing attack on the BJP-led State government over its alleged failure to counter Karnataka's diversion efforts.

Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco raised the matter during Question Hour, expressing concern over visible activity in Karnataka’s Kalsa and Bandura regions. “Markings are being made, stones are being placed—even inside forest areas. Why are we not pressing for an urgent Supreme Court hearing?” he questioned.

Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar acknowledged that Mhadei remains a “burning issue,” and claimed Goa is monitoring Karnataka’s activities closely. “Illegal underground conduits are being laid. We have already filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court and are waiting for the hearing,” he said.

However, the Opposition was not convinced. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao questioned the value of legal expenses, pointing out that Goa had spent Rs 16 crore while the Mhadei authority, Prawah, had issued just a handful of letters this year. “Are we only filing papers while Karnataka moves on the ground?” he asked, urging the government to push harder or create a “constitutional crisis.”

Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai pointed to recent reports of pipeline work in forest areas and questioned what action had been taken by the new WRD chief engineer. “We should consider dissolving the House Committee on Mhadei. I’m ready to resign,” he added.

Benaulim MLA Venzy Veigas demanded weekly updates on the government’s and legal team’s efforts. St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar noted that the House Committee hadn’t conducted any inspections and slammed the silence over a report by the National Institute of Oceanography suggesting the diversion would not impact Goa.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant admitted Karnataka was conducting “a lot of activity” but insisted that the Centre had not granted any permissions. “We met the Union Minister and were clearly told no approval has been given,” he said.

In a rare moment of unity, Opposition MLAs rushed to the well of the House, demanding more time for discussion and stronger action to protect Goa’s lifeline—the Mhadei river.