TNNKeri: Members of Save Mhadei Save Goa Front on Thursday alleged that Karnataka is preparing to begin diversion work on the Bhandura nalla at Nerse near Khanapur, while Goa govt has not responded.Prajwal Sakhardande outlined the purpose of the meeting in Panaji. The members alleged the govt has failed to safeguard its interests amid the diversion of the Kalasa nalla at Kankumb.The members resolved to rebuild and consolidate a collective force to strengthen the Save Mhadei movement. Advocate Hrudayanath Shirodkar was elected as convener to coordinate with all stakeholders.Claude Alvares of the Goa Foundation discussed the legal status of the Mhadei river dispute and called for coordinated efforts to protect the Mhadei and its tributaries from damming and diversion. Members also considered parallel strategies, including public mobilisation and legal action, such as exploring intervention options before the Supreme Court.Former MLA Nirmala Sawant said objections by Karnataka had prevented the Mahadayi-PRAWAH authority from conducting a joint inspection sought by the Goa govt.She said the Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan, Goa, had submitted a memorandum to chief minister Pramod Sawant. However, she alleged the matter has not been treated with urgency, resulting in monsoon flows meant for the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary being diverted to the Malaprabha river basin.
