Chhattisgarh responsible for floods in Odisha: BJD

Bhubaneswar: The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) blamed neighbouring Chhattisgarh for flood like situation on Mahanadi river basin in Odisha.

“Chhattisgarh is releasing flood water into lower catchments of Mahanadi River without communicating with Odisha authorities,” said BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra.

“During extreme necessity of water for agriculture and livelihoods, the neighbouring Chhattisgarh will obstruct release of water into lower catchments by constructing barrages on Mahanadi River. But, in rainy season, they will release excessive water without consideration that triggers flood like situation in Odisha,” he added.

The BJD leader condemned BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh for its monopoly tendency for utilisation of Mahanadi water and termed its system as ‘faulty’.

“What we had expected earlier, now it was proved right. The barrages on Mahanadi have been constructed violating the environment rules only to benefit the industries. No proper plan has been made by the Chhattisgarh government to control flood situation. The allegations, which are presently pending in the tribunal, are all proved true.” Mishra added.