GOVT COMMITTED TO SAFEGUARD MHADEI –CM

Panaji : January 9, 2024

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant today reiterated Government`s commitment to deal with the issue of Mhadei river diversion at the Centre and Supreme Court very strongly. In no case, the Government will compromise on interest of Goa and its people.

Chief Minister was speaking at a function organized by Goa Legislators` Forum on the occasion of 60th Goa Legislators` Day held at Goa Assembly Complex, Porvorim.

Reacting towards concerns raised regarding Mhadei river during the programme Dr. Sawant said that, the Government is very much serious on the Mhadei river issue wherein it will never let Karnataka win the battle for Mhadei as it is the lifeline of Goa. The Government is taking up the issue with Central Government continuously and fighting the case in the Supreme Court in an efficient manner.

Congratulating the Goa Legislators` Forum for its glorious journey he expressed that the Forum has contributed a lot in strengthening the legislature in various means.

The State Government has implemented Agriculture Policy to boost and safeguard agricultural activities in the State. It has always ensured to protect agricultural land and it remains in the hands of farmers. Goa is now heading towards `Viksit Bharat Viksit Goa` and urged every citizen to contribute to achieve the goal.

Speaker, Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha Shri. Rahul Narwekar in his address stressed upon the importance of the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary in the democratic set up and urged the need to maintain its sovereignty in every aspect.

He assured that the Goa will get adequate co-operation from Maharashtra on water issues.

Maharashtra and Goa have ethnic bond with each other. The cultural ties shared by both the States are blended with sweetness of Marathi and Konkani language and its richness has to be preserved further, Shri. Narwekar added.

Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Shri. Ramesh Tawadkar in his welcomed address informed about various activities conducted by Goa Legislators` Forum.

Deputy Speaker, Goa Legislative Assembly Shri. Joshua D`souza informing that, Goa Legislators Forum has lots of achievements to be cherished said that, he used to visit Goa legislative Assembly during childhood and he values the legislative most.

Minister for Legislative Affairs Shri. Aleixo Sequeira appreciating the efforts of Goa Legislators Forum said it has provided various platforms to provide suggestions to seating MLAs on the development and progress of the State.

Leader of Opposition Shri. Yuri Alemao in his speech pointed out various issues pertaining to Mhadei river and Casinos in the Mandovi river apart from land conversion and sale.

Ex MLAs Shri. Shambhu Bhau Bandekar, Shri. Ashok Naik, Shri. Prakash Velip, Shri. Manu Fernandes, Smt. Sangeeta Parab were felicitated for being members of last Assembly during the period of Union Territory.

On the occasion Open Forum was conducted wherein Ex MLA`s raised their concerns on Mhadei river and other social issues.

Vice President of Goa Legislators` Forum Shri. Victor Gonsalves, Secretary Shri. Mohan Amshekar, Treasurer Shri. Sadanand Malik were present on the occasion.

A presentation on HIV/AIDS was held by Goa State AIDS Control Society.

The programme was attended by Member of Parliament, Former Chief Ministers, Ex-Member of Parliaments, MLAs, Ex-MLAs and others.

DIP/NB/AXP/SF/2024/ 2201