Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Sunil Tatkare told reporters that the issue of blockage of a canal from the Tillari Dam reservoir due to protests from Maharashtra villagers was in the process of being resolved.
After a meeting with top water department officials from both the states, he said the issue will be resolved by the end of this financial year (March 31).
"There is nothing to worry about. We are in talks with the protestors and are in the process of working out a one-time settlement with them along with the Goa government," Tatkare said.
The Rs.1,612-crore Tillari Dam project on Tillari river located in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra is a joint undertaking by both the state governments and was commissioned in May 2009.
It aimed at fulfilling the potable water needs of south Maharashtra and north Goa regions.
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The canal provides water for three sub-districts in north Goa - Bicholim, Pernem and Bardez. The latter two are key contributors to Goa's tourism industry.
The construction of the dam, which was delayed considerably, resulted in displacement of 11 villages comprising 5,276 people.
One of the Maharashtra villages affected by the construction of the dam was even relocated across the border in the Bicholim taluka of Goa.
Goa has been deprived of water from the dam for the last few months due to the protests.