PORVORIM: The Mhadei PRAWAH (Progressive River Authority for Welfare and Harmony) or the Mhadei Water Management Authority, tasked with implementing the award of the Inter-State Mhadei Water Disputes Tribunal, is scheduled to convene its inaugural meeting in Goa on Tuesday, February 13. Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar made this announcement and revealed that the House Committee, formed to study issues related to River Mhadei, will hold its next meeting before the end of February.
During the Zero Hour session, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai raised concerns about the drastic drop in water levels in Sattari areas due to Mhadei water diversion. He expressed worry about the low water levels in rivers, especially in Bicholim and Sattari taluka, stressing the anxiety among the people of Goa.
Sardesai demanded that government counsels push for the Mhadei matter to be prioritised in the Supreme Court’s docket. He also called for an investigation into the expenditure on frequent conferences related to the Mhadei river organised in Mumbai.
However, the Water Resources Minister refuted claims of a decrease in river water levels, asserting that Sardesai’s concerns were aimed at highlighting the issues surrounding River Mhadei.
The Minister informed that the House Committee, dedicated to studying Mhadei river issues, has met twice in the past and will convene again before February 29.
The Government of India formally notified Mhadei PRAWAH in May last year, with its headquarters situated in Porvorim.