Nothing to celebrate about formation of PRAWAH: Yuri

‘Silence on withdrawal of DPR approval given to Kalasa project’

Panaji: Demanding explanation on silence pertaining to the withdrawal of the approval to the revised detailed project report (DPR) of the Karnataka government pertaining to its projects over Mhadei River, the leader of the opposition, Yuri Alemao on Thursday said that there is nothing to celebrate on Union Cabinet’s decision to form the Progressive River Authority for Welfare and Harmony (PRAWAH). 

“Why is there complete silence on withdrawal of approval given to the DPR of Kalasa-Banduri Project, “ he questioned, adding that these are diversionary tactics to divert attention from diversion of Mhadei.

Reacting to the formation of PRAWAH, the leader of the opposition stated that every decision of the Bharatiya Janata Party government needs to be taken with a “Pinch of Salt”. 

“Goans are betrayed time and again by the triple engine BJP governments at the Centre, Karnataka and Goa,” he noted.

“Time will prove whether the formation of this Authority is going to get back the diverted PRAWAH of River Mhadei or not,” Alemao said, adding that Goans will have to keep a close watch on the Authority and check whose welfare it is going to protect and bring in harmony.

“The unanimous resolution passed in the Goa legislative assembly on January 19,  2023 had three points, vehemently object to any attempt of out of basin diversion of water from Mhadei River basin; urging the union government and Central Water Commission to withdraw the revised DPR of Karnataka pertaining to River Mhadei; and urging the union government to establish the Mhadei Water Management Authority, with headquarters in Goa,” he demanded, stating that the chief minister, Promod Sawant needs to explain to the people what is the response of the central government to this resolution.

Alemao also said that the government must make its stand clear on the steps taken to have the headquarters of the authority in Goa. 

“People want to know what actions the government has initiated for the withdrawal of the approval given to the revised DPR,” he concluded.