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Panaji: Karnataka Accused of Supreme Court Contempt
- Tue, Dec 16 2008 03:31:48 PM
Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Goa
Panaji, Dec 16: The Anti-water damming NGO has accused Karnataka government of violating Supreme court directives by continuing work on Mhadei water project despite its assurance to the apex court to maintain status quo.
"The work by Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited to divert waters of Kalsa tributary of Mhadei river to Malaprabha basin continues on a war footing despite its assurance to SC to maintain status quo," Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan chief Nirmala Sawant said.
The Mhadei water diversion has become a crucial issue for Goa and Karnataka. The Karnataka from where the river originates has planned dams across its tributaries to divert the water to Malaprabha basin, which according to them, is required to quench drinking water requirement.
Goa government and MBA, a non government organization (NGO), has been opposing tooth and nail the project, which they feel, will severely hamper the ecology of the state.
The case which was tossed with various authorities and legal bodies is now pending in SC with Karnataka assuring status quo in the matter.
The MBA has said that the project work has also violated Forest Conservation Act 1980 and Wildlife protection act 1972 as the massive silt is dumped into the reserved forest adjacent to the proposed project.
"The case is fixed for hearing on January 15 and hence we expect that Karnataka should immediately stop the work… What they are doing is blatant insult to the apex court," MBA convenor Rajendra Kerkar reacted.
The project taking shape on Goa-Karnataka border at Kankumbi village is aimed at augmenting the deficit in Malaprabha reservoir by diverting 3.56 TMC feet of water from Kalsa tributary of Mhadei river.