Belagavi: Karnataka is all set to divert the Mahadayi waters of Goa by completing the ambitious Kalasa-Banduri dam project. Goa Forward MLA Vijai Sardesai and environmental activist Rajendra Kerkar said the identification of the proposed canal for digging is almost complete along with soil testing in Halathara and Kalasa areas for the construction of the dam.
The team visited the proposed Haltara dam area in the Chorla Mahadayi catchment area of Kalasa-Banduri Nala Range on Friday November 18 and inspected it. They discussed the new projects undertaken by Karnataka in the Mahadayi valley and its impact on Goa. Goa Forward Vice-President Dilip Prabhudesai was also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Sardesai said if Karnataka diverts Mahadayi water, goa’s Bardesh Taluk will face water scarcity in future. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant says Mahadayi is his mother. But he has not taken any action to protect it. We have brought to the notice of the Chief Minister with evidence what Karnataka is doing in the Kalasa Banduri Nala area, he alleged. He added these conspiracies of Karnataka should be placed before the tribunal.
Kerkar alleged that the Karnataka Government is trying to prove before the tribunal that Halathara and Kalasa are suitable for the construction of dams. They have also completed marking for the canal. “If Goa doesn’t take action now, then the situation will get out of hand,” he said.
