The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal headed by Justice J M Panchal on Wednesday pulled up the Goa government for making contradictory statement before it on the quantum of water flow in River Mahadayi.
During cross-examination, Prof Jyothi Prakash, hydrology expert, who was produced by the Goa government as witness, said a total of 102 tmc feet of water flows in Mahadayi per annum. Panchal reminded him that his claim was contrary to the Goa government’s original petition, which put the water flow at 108 tmc feet.
Karnataka advocate Mohan Katarki said Goa was misleading the tribunal to avoid to consider the Karnataka government’s interim application seeking 7 tmc feet of water from river immediately to provide drinking water in Belgaum region. Atmananda Nadakarni, representing Goa, apologised to the tribunal and said he will withdraw the statement made by the hydrology expert. The Central Water Commission, in its report prepared in 2003, claimed that total 199 tmc water flows in Mahadayi River and Karnataka also endorsed the report.
The hearing of the petition will continue on Thursday.
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