Goa, Aug. 6 -- Environmentalist and Mahadayi Bachao Andolan leader Rajendra Kerkar has urged the Central Government to intervene immediately to safeguard the Mahadayi River, criticising Union Minister Pralhad Joshi for suggesting that the petitions related to the Mahadayi water dispute pending before the Supreme Court be withdrawn.

Addressing the media in Bicholim, Kerkar described the Minister's remarks as "unfortunate" and contrary to Goa's interests. He said the Centre must act to protect the river while ensuring the interests of all three states involved in the dispute are fairly addressed.

Kerkar recalled that the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal had, in 2018, allocated 24 TMC of water to Goa, 13.42 TMC to Karnataka and 1.33 TMC to...