Goa against Karnataka's move to build dams on Khandepar river

Goa government will oppose Karnataka's move to construct four dams on the upstream of Dudhsagar waterfall in Goa on Khandepar river, Goa Water Resources Minister Dayanand Mandrekar said today.
Mandrekar told the state Legislative Assembly that Karnataka has envisaged four dams, namely Katla, Palna, Diggi-Mara and Diggi-Bondeli, on the upstream of the river in that state to divert water to Supa reservoir.
"This has been planned without considering the riparian rights of the state of Goa," the minister said responding to a calling attention motion moved by BJP MLA Dr Pramod Sawant.
The legislator said that Karnataka was planning to construct six dams or reservoirs which will block the source of water to Dudhsagar, thus causing inconvenience to people in the areas of Dharbandora and Ponda talukas.

Mandrekar said that the issue is sub-judice with Mhadei Water Disputes Tribunal as Khandepar river is a tributary of Mhadei.
"Goa has strongly objected to diversion of Mhadei river, including that on Khandepar river, in its statement of claims, rejoinders and also replies to the claims of Karnataka," the minister added.
Mandrekar said that the government was committed to stop the diversion of Mhadei river and its tributaries and will take all the steps that are necessary to protect the interest of the state.