MARGAO
Insisting on maintaining border relations and strengthening unity between the peoples of Goa and Karnataka, PS Governor Sreedharan Pillai on Saturday expressed hope that the contentious Mhadei River issue between the two states will be resolved in the framework of the legal system.
The governor was addressing a meeting on Saturday in a bid to boost border relations between neighboring states of Goa and Karnataka, PS Governor Sreedharan Pillai and his Karnataka counterpart Thawar Chand Gehlot held a joint meeting on Saturday with collectors of district of the bordering districts of the two states at the South Goa Collectorate, Margao.
During the meeting, Governor Pillai said that the people are supreme in the democratic system and discussions among interstate administrative officers are of great importance in resolving issues and finding solutions for the benefit of ordinary people.
Governor of Karnataka, Thawar Chand Gehlot, highlighting the problem of drug trafficking in the two states, suggested serious deliberations between the two states to prevent drug trafficking. Drug use, he said, has ruined many people’s lives.
He further suggested strengthening ties between states to enhance tourism activities and economic growth. Gehlot also expressed the need for proper infrastructure for solid waste management and recycling mechanisms to address the issue and called on both states to address solid waste issues.
The joint district collectors meeting was held on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the governor’s conference held in Delhi to resolve issues between border districts.
Collector, South Goa Jyoti Kumari, IAS lamented the prevailing economic ties between Karwar and South Goa. It also informed about the social, linguistic and cultural relations that prevail between two States.
North Goa collector Mamu Hage spoke about the links shared by Goa-Karnataka in tourism, culture, medical facilities, economy, education and human resources.
Deputy Commissioner, Belagavi Nitesh Patil, IAS, Superintendent of Police Dr Sanjiv Patil, Deputy Commissioner, Karwar Mullai Muhilan MP, SP Dr Suman Pennekar, North Goa SP, Shekhar Prabhudesai, South Goa SP Abhishek Dhania gave a presentation on various aspects of the districts respective.