Mahadayi issue: Goa loses out to Karnataka this time

The Kalasa Banduri project, which demands seven TMC water from the Mahadayi River flowing in Goa, has been stalled in Karnataka by the efforts of the Goa government, which has put forth a strong objection against the release of the water.

ITI Professor Jyothi Prakash, who had submitted an affidavit in support of Goa’s argument was taken to task by the three-member Mahadayi Tribunal, led by Justice JS Panchal since his report held several ‘mistaken facts’.

Professor Prakash had submitted the affidavit a day earlier, which stated that the inflow of water in the Mahadayi Canal was 102 TMC. But in the affidavit he had filed one year ago, the inflow of water was stated 108 TMC. This put him in an embarrassing situation in the court, as he could not defend his facts.

Also, Mohan Kataraki, Karnataka’s advocate had come prepared with statistics and facts. When he cross-examined Professor Prakash on the technical facts, the professor turned visibly nervous.

Eventually, Prakash admitted that his calculations were wrong and sought time to prepare another report.

Disappointed by this, Justice Panchal warned him of action as submitting fake reports to the court was a criminal offence.

Professor Prakash sought forgiveness of the court and after half-an-hour of confusion formally stated that he was withdrawing the proof.

The tribunal later permitted the Goa government to conduct a fresh study and to prepare a new report.

Overall, it is good news for Karnataka. The tribunal will take up Karnataka’s interim appeal to release seven TMC drinking water. It looks like the development is a positive one for Karnataka’s argument in front of the tribunal.