Panaji (Goa): In a major move, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has in-principle agreed for bilateral discussion on the issue of release of “reasonable and justified” quantum of water from Mhadei river basin, for drinking purpose to Karnataka.

The decision comes a day after BJP national president Amit Shah conveyed a joint meeting of BJP leaders from Goa and Karnataka on the issue.

In a letter addressed to party’s Karnataka chief B S Yedyurappa, Parrikar has said that in-principle the state will not oppose the reasonable and justified quantum of water meant to be utilized for drinking.

“However, the same needs to be discussed bilaterally as suggested by the Honourable Tribunal,” Chief Minister said adding ‘it is needless to mention that the discussion shall be without prejudice to our rights and contentions before the Tribunal, none of which are even touched by this letter’.

Yedyurappa had written letter to Parrikar pertaining to the utilization of 7.56 TMC of water from Mhadei River for drinking water need of drought prone areas of North Karnataka.

“You are well aware of the matter pending before the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal. Issue of drinking water although is one of the issues pending before the tribunal, in principle, the state of Goa would not oppose the reasonable and justified quantum of water meant to be utilized for drinking,” Parrikar has said in his reply which is based following legal advice from the Additional Solicitor General Atmaram Nadkarni.

“Government of Goa understands that access to the drinking water is a basic human need. Hence it is to confirm it to you that on humanitarian ground, Government of Goa is willing to consider the request to work out an amicable settlement strictly restricted to drinking water only to the drought prone areas,” Chief Minister stated.

“I appreciate your concern over the drinking water issue of the people and assure to extend the best possible cooperation in the matter,” he stated.