HUBBALLI – On July 27 the Mahadayi river tribunal verdict went in favor for Goa and Maharashtra while Karnataka state suffered a major setback.
The Karnataka government had demanded the central government that they be allowed to withdraw 7.56 tmc ft of water from Mahadayi river.
To protest over the verdict the pro-Kannada organizations and the Kannada film industry has asked the entire city to come together for a bandh on July 30.
There were protests in almost all parts of Hubli. Large number of people from Navalgund, Naragund and Gadag participated in the agitation at the Rani Chennamma Circle and other parts of the city.
Cars were not allowed to enter the city. With almost all roads were empty and shops closed, the bandh was a success throughout the day.
From politician to celebrity all are ready to sacrifice their time to make the bandh successful. Shortly after the verdict reports also emerged that the entire North Karnataka have already gone on a strike.
Goa benefits from the verdict:
On the other hand, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar believes that the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal verdict will be marked as one of the most important decisions for the future growth of the state. Even though he knows that it’s not the end as more war lies ahead but they are willing to fight it.
The move was also welcomed by the Goa Environment and Forest Minister Rajendra Arlekar and congratulated the government on fighting it till the end.
What is this dispute?
The argument started when the Karnataka government decided to build a dam project across Mahadayi river also known as Mandovi river at the central tribunal.
The river referred to as the lifeline of northern Karnataka originates in the north part of Karnataka and traverses 28.8 km in the region. From here, it goes through the region of Maharashtra and Goa after which it meets with the Arabian Sea.
The Congress-led Karnataka government wanted to construct seven dams to get the water into the water-starved Malaprabha basin.
This proposal was opposed by BJP-led Goa government which argued that this move would not only affect the economy but will also prove to be disastrous for the environment.
The conclusion:
To reach a conclusion at the earliest the Goa government on July 19 asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to look into the matter and resolve the issue at the earliest.
In seeing the severity of the situation, Additional Solicitor General Atmaram Nadkarni was appointed as Goa counsel even though the Karnataka government has objected to the appointment.
The tribunal headed by J N Panchal heard both the party on July 25 and the verdict was out on July 27 in favor of Goa government. In the hearing, it was observed that the Kalasa-Banduri project would not only create havoc in the life of Goa people but would damage the environment.
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