Panjim: Former legislators of the Goa legislative assembly on Monday voiced out to save river Madei, and the precious lands of Goa for prosperity. Even former MLAs such as advocate Ramakant Khalap and advocate Radharao Grarcias offered to be part of the legal team of the state government over the Madei issue free of cost.

 

The ex-MLAs, during the open forum discussion on the occasion of the Goa Legislators Day at the assembly complex, which was held in the presence of the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar and others, raised concern over diversion of water from River Madei by Karnataka.

 

While suspecting politics over the issue by the central government, former Minister and president of Madei Bachao Abhiyan Nirmala Sawant pointed out that the government failed to produce the Supreme Court order before the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal, which has undertaking given by Karnataka that they will not start any work for water diversion from Madei basin. She laid stress on unity among the Goan politicians to save Madei while narrating the lacunas in the efforts taken by the Goa government over the matter.

 

Former MLA Khalap also urged to be united for River Madei while appealing to the government to take steps to save Goan lands for the future generation. Former MP John Fernandes also stressed on saving lands belonging to tribals and Comunidade. Advocate Radharao Gracias pointed out how the Centre and Karnataka is trying to play politics over Madei in view of elections in Karnataka this year. Former Minister Prakash Velip also expressed the need to unite for safeguarding River Madei while demanding political reservation to scheduled tribes in state legislative assembly elections.