State won't lose control over rivers, says Parrikar

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today sought to allay the fear that nationalisation of rivers would mean the state won't have any control over them.

"(Control of) All activities related to rivers would be vested with the state government. There will be no control from the Central government as it is feared," Parrikar told reporters here.

The term "nationalisation" was misconceived, he said.

"It is not nationalisation of rivers. These are rivers of national importance....Since the state government can't fund the activities like dredging of these rivers, the Central government would be helping with finances," he said.

The Union Government has selected six rivers in Goa -- Mandovi, Zuari, Mapusa, Chapora, Sal and Cumbharjua -- under its project to fund development of rivers in the country.
 

Fears were expressed in certain quarters that this 'nationalisation' would mean the state government will lose its control over them, affecting the livelihood of local fishermen and others.