BJD demands Centre’s intervention over construction of dam

New Delhi, Aug 5:

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Bhartruhari Mahtab on Friday sought the central government’s intervention over the construction of dam by Chattisgarh government over the tributaries of Mahanadi river.

“Union Water Resources Minister had informed the house earlier that without the permission of the Central Water Commission, construction of dams will not be allowed. However, Chattisgarh government has started construction of dams, which are major projects, over the tributaries of Mahanadi. This is a blatant violation of law,” Mahtab told the Lok Sabha.

He urged the central government to intervene in the matter and tell Chattisgarh not to proceed with the construction of the dam.

He also alleged that Chattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh was making unnecessary statement over the row.

“The Chattisgarh Chief Minister, I would say, has come out openly saying that they will complete the dam on war footing. When tripartite discussions are taking place between the states of Chattisgarh, Odisha under the tutelage of the Ministry of Water Resources in Delhi and interactions are taking place between all these three stakeholders, there is no necessity of making such statements in the public,” he said.

The ministry had decided that the Central Water Commission (CWC) would from ensure that the DPRs for the projects in the Mahanadi basin are duly shared with the other riparian state and they were given 45 days time to convey their views and comments on the projects. (IANS)