Jan 8 – House Committee on Mhadei has sought inspection at the sites at Kalasa, Bhandara, Haltara etc where Karnataka has allegedly commenced river diversion work. The 12 member house committee headed by WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar today held its second meeting since its formation in Jan 2023. Shirodkar asserted that contrary to media reports inspection by Goa WRD team has not observed any recent river diversion work by Karnataka.
▪️ Speaker to seek permission for visit from his Karnataka counterpart
Goa State Legislative Assembly Speaker will write to his Karnataka counterpart for permission in this regards, informed WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar. A letter in this regards will be sent in the next 8 to 10 days, he added. “If they give permission it can be ensured that Karnataka is not doing any wrong,” he added. Karnataka is just taking risk and doing some amount of diversion work since 2010, he further pointed out. Goa State is handling the Mhadei river matter on 3 fronts- PRAWAH, political and Supreme Court he asserted.
▪️ Mhadei case likely to come for hearing in Supreme Court on Jan 20
Goa’s case in the Mhadei diversion matter has been listed for hearing in the Supreme Court on Jan 20, Shirodkar informed. Over 10 advocates, AG and 2 senior counsels are representing Goa in the apex court, he said.
🔸 16th Finance commission arrives in Goa
Jan 8 – The 16th Finance Commission led by Chairman Arvind Panagariya arrived in Goa today. Chairman is accompanied by members of the commission, Ajay Narayan Jha and Manoj Panda. The commission will have 2 days consultation with Govt and other stakeholders starting tomorrow. Goa government proposes to put forth demands worth Rs 28,000 crore before the commission for various developmental projects during the visit.
