Panaji, Nov 28 (TNN): The digitization survey conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, has found that the length of the River Mhadei in Goa is around 76km and not 52km as maintained by the national water development board.

This means Goa can claim more water from the Mhadei basin in the ongoing dispute between Goa and Karnataka before the Mhadei water dispute tribunal, said government sources, as the length of fresh water in the river has gone up to 46km from the previous 22km. The length of the Mhadei in Karnataka is around 35km.

IIT, Bombay conducted the digitization and sedimentation survey over a period of three months before submitting the report to the government. "With the increase in the river's freshwater length in Goa, the state government has a strong case before the tribunal to claim more water," said a government officer, adding that the survey was insisted upon by advocate general Atmaram Nadkarni, who also wants a detailed project report (DPR) of the 60 projects identified on the Mhadei stretch.

When contacted, Nadkarni, whose resignation as AG has not been accepted by the present government, said the digitization report would be placed before the tribunal at the appropriate time.