Digital Goa, August 4 – Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has advised the Karnataka government to withdraw the pending Supreme Court cases related to the Kalasa-Bhandura drinking water project on the Mahadayi river, saying this would help expedite the project’s approval process. According to national media reports, Joshi said that once the legal hurdles are removed, the Centre would be able to fast-track the necessary environmental and administrative clearances. The reports also stated that Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has responded positively to the proposal, with discussions underway between the Centre and the Karnataka government to move the project forward. Goa has challenged the project in the Supreme Court and has consistently opposed it, arguing that it would divert Mahadayi river water to another basin, posing a threat to the state’s drinking water security, environment and wildlife.
