Panaji: Interim solution to the vexed Tillari irrigation project issue involving Goa and Maharashtra is in sight with Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar claiming today that an understanding in this regard has been reached.
He said his Maharashtra counterpart Prithviraj Chavan had assured to solve the issue after reaching an understanding with the agitators who have been blocking, since last twenty days, the water supply from the Tillari irrigation canal in Maharashtra`s Sindhudurg district, demanding fulfilment of promises regarding rehabilitation.
Parrikar said the issue would be resolved within two days.
The project has been supplying water to three talukas of Goa namely Bicholim, Pernem and Bardez.
However, the final resolution of the issue could take place only in January.
"The meeting of the Tillari Water Development Board will be held on January 18, where ministers of both the states will bring out the final solution to this vexed issue", Parrikar told reporters today.
He said in the meantime, the state government will release 100-125 million litres per day (MLD) water in Tillari canal through Sal river in Goa.
Parrikar claimed that of the total 2,500-3,000 hectares of land under irrigation in Goa, the closure of canal has affected only 250 hectares of land having sugarcane and banana cultivation.
PTI
