JOIN USThe Goa government on Friday charged that Karnataka has not scientifically studied the water availability and annual rainfall in the Mahadayi river basin before planning the diversion of river water.
The Goa government, in its arguments before the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal, said that the Karnataka government just submitted the Central Water Commission report to the tribunal to substantiate its arguments that the total water availability in the Mahadayi catchment area was 199 tmcft.
Claiming that the CWC report was totally wrong and unscientifically prepared, Atmaram Nadkarni, the advocate representing the Goa government, alleged that the Karnataka government is trying to mislead the tribunal with its contention that the river basin has sufficient water.
The Goa government also said the report on water availability in the Mahadayi river and its catchment areas, prepared by A K Gosain, Professor, IIT, Delhi, was also not scientific.
Gosain appeared as a witness of Karnataka before the tribunal.
Heated arguments
At one point in time, a heated argument took place between Nadkarni and Mohan V Katarki, the advocate representing Karnataka.
While making reference to Gosain report, Nadkarni said that perhaps Karnataka engineers are wiser than its witnesses. Katarki said the advocate should stay away from making sarcastic remarks. "I can also make such comments against the Goa government witness," Katarki said.
"Goa has touched a new low. We don't want to show now what language the Goa minister had used. But, I will point out when my turn comes," Katarki said.
When Nadkarni said he does not take instructions from the ministers, Katarki said, "We all take instructions from our clients. The Goa government is your client and you have taken instructions from the minister," he countered.