PANAJI, Oct. 6 -- Environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar has appealed to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to protect the Mhadei River, describing the river as the lifeline of Goa.

Kerkar made the appeal during Shivakumar's visit to Goa, highlighting the longstanding historical and cultural ties between Goa and Karnataka.

Urging Karnataka to act as a "big brother" to Goa, Kerkar appealed to the neighbouring state not to pursue efforts to divert the Mhadei's waters. He pointed out that Karnataka is blessed with several major rivers and their tributaries, while Goa is heavily dependent on the Mhadei for its drinking water requirements and agriculture.

Kerkar also expressed concern over the continued attempts to divert Mhadei wate...