No compromise on Mahadayi at any cost: Goa CM in Budget speech

The Goa government will not compromise on the ongoing Mahadayi dispute with Karnataka at any cost and the state's rightful claim on the river water will be endorsed through the ongoing judicial process, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Wednesday.

Speaking during his Budget speech during the ongoing Budget Session of the state legislative Assembly, Sawant, who has been accused by the Opposition of trying to sabotage Goa's interest in the ongoing dispute with Karnataka, also said that his government was fully committed to protecting the interests of the state.

"My government is very serious about the Mahadayi issue. It is during my tenure that the government approached the Supreme Court against the illegal diversion of river water by the neighbouring state, as a result of which the apex court has now appointed a joint committee to oversee the matter," Sawant told the state Assembly. The committee is expected to submit a report to the court within four weeks, he added.

"When the neighbouring state committed contempt of court, my government filed a separate contempt petition. Through this House I want to tell the people of Goa that my government will not strike any kind of compromise on the Mahadayi issue," Sawant said.