Karnataka on Thursday strongly opposed Goa’s plea to extend the term of the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT). The government’s decision was unanimously supported by the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (Secular).
A decision on opposing it was taken at an all-party leaders’ meeting convened by the government. Opposition leaders of both Houses of the legislature, Jagadish Shettar, K.S. Eshwarappa, and JD(S) leader Kona Reddy were present at the meeting.
The MWDT was slated to commence final hearing on the issue on February 6. “But no arguments took place, as the Goa government sought extension of tribunal’s term,” said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The government has demanded “immediate release” of 7.56 tmcft of Mahadayi river waters to meet drinking water needs of north Karnataka.
Saying that the extension would delay the matter further, and Karnataka cannot afford further extension considering the drinking water situation in northern part of Karnataka, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, ruling and opposition parties were unanimous in this decision on opposing the Goa plea.
The tribunal was set up in November 2010 and came into effect in November 2013. “As per provisions of the law, the tribunal has three years to submit its report. The term can be extended by two years. The tribunal has already got two extensions and the final report is expected in August 2018,” Mr. Siddaramaiah reasoned. Former Attorney-General of India Ashok Desai and senior advocate Shyam Divan will represent the State, the Chief Minister added.
