KERI: Social and environmental activists from various parts of North Goa assembled at Laxmibai memorial hall, Valpoi, for a meeting organized by Sattari Patrakar Sangh, to vehemently oppose the undemocratic attitude of protestors in North Karnataka, who resorted to violent behaviour, as they demanded early implementation of the Kalsa Bhandura project.

Speaking at the meeting, Sakhali MLA Pramod Sawant said, "The acts of miscreants burning a KTC bus at Hubbali, staging a rasta rook, organzing bandhs and then shouting slogans against the state of Goa, are indeed undemocratic and totally uncalled for; that too, when the matter is pending before the tribunal and states are pleading their cases. We have not yet resorted to violence and maintained peace and patience. The Mhadei river is our lifeline and our government will take all necessary steps to protect the interest of Goans."

Shivaji Desai, an advocate from Brahma-Karmali, said, "There is urgent need to create awareness regarding the importance of River Mhadei and serious implications of the Kalsa-Bhandura project on Goa. Every gram sabha should pass resolutions opposing the construction of a dam and the diversion plans of Karnataka. Members of all political parties should unite and unanimously take a decision to oppose Karnataka’s project."

Madhu Gaonkar, from Khandola, Ponda, spoke about how the fresh water flow from the Mhadei sustains the Mandovi. "Like other rivers in Goa, the Mandovi river is affected by the tides from the Arabian Sea. The distance of salinity of rivers in Goa is about 30kms upstream, necessitating the dire need of fresh water inflow from the Ghat region bordering Goa. If the fresh water flow is reduced, as would happen, if the project for diverting the Mhadei river is permitted, the entire ecology and livelihood of Goa will be critically affected," said Gaonkar.

Ganesh Parwar, a leader of Dalit movement in Pilgao, Bicholim, claimed that the reduction of water level in River Mandovi will hamper its navigability and mineral ore transportation through the river will be affected badly. "This river is like a mother for Goans as it sustains life and livelihood," he said.

"Presently, 85MLD water treatment plants rely on the Mhadei. If Karnataka’s plans materialize, we will be deprived of our water resources," said Rajesh Gaonkar, a BJP leader from Shiranguli, Sattari.

