Panaji (Goa):  Accusing the Karnataka government of diverting the water from Mahadei tributary into Malaprabha river basin at Kanakumbi, Goa Legislative Assembly’s deputy Speaker Michael Lobo said that upcoming budget session is likely to move a resolution against the diversion.

Lobo was talking to the reporters after visiting Kanakumbi village on Sunday along with Speaker Pramod Sawant and two other legislators.

“There is a total diversion of water from Mahadei tributary at Kankumbi by Karnataka government by constructing underwater canals. Whatever water is flowing down to Goa from there is just a seepage,” the deputy speaker said adding that if this diversion is not stopped then the Mahadayi will not have water flowing downstream.

“We have to move a resolution in the assembly during the upcoming session opposing the diversion by Karnataka,” he said adding that he would move the resolution after consulting the party.

Lobo said that Mahadei Water Dispute Tribunal which is currently hearing the dispute should be asked to conduct a physical inspection of the site at Kanakumbi so that they know the reality of the neighbouring State.

The dam at Kanakumbi is one of the projects proposed by Karnataka government upstream Mahadei river, which has been opposed by Goa before the tribunal.

Lobo said that the solution to the current water dispute cannot be worked out with the political dialogue. “Only tribunal can provide a solution for it. Whatever has been played out in the public is just politics,” he said referring to Karnataka’s request of bilateral talk on the issue.