Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Aug 4: The Goa government has renewed its long-pending demand for a joint inspection of Karnataka's Kalasa Diversion Scheme during the ongoing monsoon, arguing that only an on-site assessment under actual river flow conditions can determine whether the project complies with the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal's directions.
The demand was raised during the seventh meeting of the Mahadayi PRAWAH Authority, months after Goa expressed disappointment that its repeated requests for a joint inspection had not been included in the agenda of an earlier PRAWAH meeting.
Goa has consistently maintained that an inspection during the monsoon is essential to scientifically assess the river's flow and verify whether the diversion works conform to the Tribunal's award.
Addressing the meeting, Mahadayi PRAWAH member from Goa, S S Gill, said the Authority should accord the highest priority to the long-pending inspection.
"The Authority accords the highest priority to the long-pending joint inspection of the Kalasa Diversion Scheme during the current monsoon, when actual flow conditions can be scientifically assessed," Gill said.
He also urged the Authority to advise the Karnataka government to extend full cooperation and permit members, technical experts and officials from the basin states to carry out a field inspection, drone survey and technical documentation of the Kalasa-Bhandura project and its catchment area.
Goa further sought immediate intervention to prevent any possible diversion of Mahadayi waters through the Kalasa scheme.
Gill requested the Authority to direct Karnataka to prevent any leakage through the masonry plugs constructed in the reinforced cement concrete (RCC) conduits of the Kalasa Diversion Scheme to ensure that no Mahadayi water is diverted to the Malaprabha basin in violation of the Tribunal's directions.
The issue was taken up at the beginning of the meeting, with PRAWAH Chairperson D S Chaskar acknowledging Goa's request while reiterating that the Authority's mandate is to implement the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal Award and promote cooperation among the riparian states.
However, the Authority did not take a decision on Goa's request for a joint inspection.
During the meeting, Karnataka maintained that the Kalasa-Bhandura project had already undergone technical appraisal by the Central Water Commission and was awaiting the required statutory clearances. It also reiterated that the Mahadayi PRAWAH Authority should function strictly within the powers provided under the notified scheme and the Tribunal Award.
Maharashtra informed the Authority that it would submit its comments on Goa's proposals after examining them.
Following discussions, the Authority decided to defer the matter. It resolved that a comparative statement incorporating the views of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra on the draft guidelines for granting final clearance to irrigation and drinking water projects would be prepared and placed before the next meeting for further deliberation.