PANAJI: The Water Resources Department Minister, Mr Filipe Neri Rodrigues on Monday informed the state legislative assembly that the Supreme Court of India has given six weeks to the central government to set up a water dispute tribunal to resolve the difference between Goa and Karnataka over diversion of water from the Mhadei basin. The case came up for hearing in the Apex Court on July 26, it was informed.

Replying to the calling attention motion moved by the Bharatiya Janata Party MLA, Mr Damodar Naik, Mr Rodrigues said that the Supreme Court has also given the names of three judges to be appointed to head the tribunal and its members and that the state government would examine the names and give its opinion to the authorities. He also said that in case the judicial officers were found to be averse to the interests of the state then the state would seek a fresh list from the Apex Court.
The WRD Minister in response to the motion moved by Mr Naik said that Karnataka has been making efforts over the last 30 years to divert water from the Mandovi river under one pretext or the other but Goa government has opposed all its designs at every level and forum. He said that besides approaching the central authorities for redressal to the issue, the state has also moved the Apex Court which has directed setting up of a tribunal.
Mr Rodrigues also said that the Goa government was committed to protecting the interest of the state and would oppose and stall any move by Karnataka to divert the waters from the Mhadei basin to Mallaprabha or any other basin. He also said that simultaneously, efforts would be made to place the grievances of the state before appropriate authorities, Apex Court, tribunal or central authorities to protect interests, resources and environment of the state of Goa.
Earlier, moving the calling attention motion, Mr Naik told the House that there was fear and anxiety in the minds of Goan public about reported news of the completion of Kalsa-Bhandura dam diverting water from Mhadei to Mallaprabha which would cause serious environmental impact on the state. He also said that the Karnataka government was paying least heed to the pleas of Goa or the directions from the Supreme Court.
Stating that Goa has to show that it would use all its resources to protect its interest, he said that all leaders from the state should unite to protect Goa’s identity and ecology and march to the disputed construction site to register the state’s protest and if necessary, court arrest. The Speaker, Mr Pratapsing Rane said that the state should press for constitution of the tribunal at the earliest.