Executive committee meet passes resolution against water diversion
Panaji: With the backdrop of change in government in neighbouring Karnataka, the state executive committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party met in the city on Thursday and passed a political resolution, which observed that the Karnataka government is posing a threat to the very existence of the Mhadei river in Goa, and further appealed its government in Goa to act in the interest of the river water for Goa.
“The latest development, wherein the detailed project report of the state of Karnataka pertaining to the Mhadei river has been approved by the Central Water Commission, has posed a threat to the very existence of this river,” the resolution stated, pointing out, “This state executive committee strongly urges the state government to take all necessary steps to safeguard Goa’s lawful rights and interest over the water of the river Mhadei and reiterates its unflinching commitment and support to the state government in its fight to save the Mhadei.”
“The Mhadei river is the lifeline of the state of Goa; the Mhadei plains in Goa comprise an intricate system of wetlands, tidal marshy areas, cultivated paddy fields, Khazan lands, all intersected by canals, inland dykes, bays, lagoons and creeks,” it noted. The resolution further said the mining sector has been one of the major revenue and employment generating industries in the state.
“Its resumption was necessary as much as it was long awaited, with the allocation of four iron ore mining blocks to the successful bidders the mining industry will resume its activities,” it maintained, adding that this is a major step to ensure employment to locals and ending the hardship faced by the mining dependent workers. The state executive committee also congratulated Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and his government for their efforts in resuming the mining activity in the state.
State BJP president Sadanand Tanawade, the Chief Minister, Union Minister Shripad Naik, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane and Rajya Sabha member Vinay Tendulkar were presented at the meeting.
National BJP leader Priti Gandhi also attended the meet. The committee further noted that the Sawant government has fulfilled a consistent demand for having reservations for the OBC and SC/ST candidates in postgraduate medical courses.
It further congratulated the Chief Minister for successful completion of one year in office as also expressed its pleasure at the emphatic victory secured in the recently held elections to the municipal councils of Sankhali and Ponda.
The state executive committee finally welcomed the decision of the party’s government in Goa, for putting strict restrictions on the sale and conversion of the paddy fields.
“This decision will safeguard and preserve the rich heritage of our pristine paddy fields and unique Khazan lands for our future generations,” it added.