Mapusa, Dec 31 (TOI): A large number of protesters under the banner of 'Mhadei Amchi Avoi' gathered at the Gandhi Chowk at Mapusa on Saturday and held a symbolic protest against the diversion of water from Mhadei river for political benefits. The protesters made a fervent appeal to the government to save the waters of Mhadei stating that it was their lifeline.
Holding placards in hand, the protesters shouted slogans against the BJP government for misusing the Mhadei river for political benefits. The protest which started at around 5.30pm saw participation by a number of citizens and activists, urging the government to save the Mhadei river.

The protesters belonged to various groups such as Revolutionary Goans, Goenchi Rakhandar and Yuva Shakti, Mayem. The activists said that they were not affiliated to any party . The protestors demanded that chief minister Manohar Parrikar must withdraw his letter to Karnataka BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa. A large posse of police was posted at the site to control the protesters and also to bring the situation under control.

Speaking to reporters during the protest, heritage activist Prajal Sakhardande said that members of the Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan and other activists were not taken into confidence while drafting the letter.

"We will not allow the water of Mhadei which is the lifeline of Goa to be used for political reasons by the governments of Goa and Karnataka," said Sakhardande.
 
Another activist, Sameer Kelekar termed the entire move by the BJP to divert the waters of Mhadei as a political gimmick.