Naragunda: Viresh Sobaradamath, the president of Raitha Sena’s state unit, has declared that the organisation will formally challenge the Central Government’s Wildlife Authority Board’s recent decision regarding the Mahadayi river dispute. Sobaradamath announced that a legal notice would be dispatched to the board through their lawyers, protesting the decision which grants approval to Goa’s Forest Department.
During the ongoing Mahadayi dharna in Naragunda, Sobaradamath accused the Chairman of the Wildlife Authority of breaching legal protocols. He claimed that the Chairman approved Goa’s request despite a recent visit failing to identify any tiger forest zone in the contested area. This approval, Sobaradamath argued, was made without proper evidence and due process.
The Raitha Sena president has threatened to take legal action against the board if they do not adequately respond to the notice. His criticisms extended beyond the Wildlife Authority, targeting political parties which, he claimed, were leveraging the Mahadayi issue for political advantage rather than addressing it genuinely.
In a bid to intensify their efforts, Raitha Sena has scheduled a large farmers’ convention on October 4 in Naragunda. This event will mark the launch of a new phase in their struggle for the Mahadayi river’s rights. The organisation aims to galvanise support and increase pressure on the authorities.
Raitha Sena’s activism has included meetings with key figures such as the Chief Minister, Central MPs, and senior officials. They have also sent letters to the Forest Minister urging immediate action on the Mahadayi and Kalasabanduri projects. The organisation’s focus remains on securing a fair resolution to the water dispute which has long been a contentious issue.
Sobaradamath further appealed to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi to prioritise the Mahadayi project as a solution to the drinking water crisis in Hubli-Dharwad. He alleged that the minister’s lack of action indicated a disregard for the welfare of farmers. According to Sobaradamath, the implementation of the Mahadayi project is crucial for addressing the acute water shortages affecting the region.
The Raitha Sena’s efforts underscore the ongoing tension and urgency surrounding the Mahadayi issue. The organisation remains committed to advocating for the rights of farmers and ensuring that their concerns are addressed by both local and central authorities.