Mahanadi issue: Odisha CM seeks PM’s intervention

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Oct 2:

In yet another twist to the Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention seeking justice for the state.

“Mahanadi is the lifeline of Odisha. I expect the Prime Minister to intervene and deliver justice to the people of Odisha,” said Patnaik addressing a party function today.

Interestingly, a day after the tripartite meeting between Patnaik, his Chhattisgarh counterpart Raman Singh and Union Water Resource Minister Uma Bharti failed, Naveen himself had accused the Center of bias and hinted at approaching the Supreme Court.

Odisha BJP considered his statement a political move before the panchayat polls and asked him not to forget his responsibilities.

“It is equally important for the Chief Minister to present the data, facts and make the correct arguments, as it is for the Prime Minister to deliver justice to the state. Naveen Patnaik has an important responsibility to get justice for the state by doing his part. he shouldn’t forget that,” said BJP National Secretary Suresh Pujari.

On the other hand, Odisha Industries Minister Debi Prasad Mishra today said that the barrages already built and under construction at the upper catchment of Mahanadi in Chhattisgarh will result in reduced flow of the river.

“They have built and are building barrages each 15-18 kilometres. This is going to block water in as much as 66,000 sq. km catchment area. We are going to get affected severely during the non-monsoon flow,” said Mishra.