CM slams Centre, BJP over Mahanadi dispute

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Paradip: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik criticised Friday the Centre for its silence over the row between Odisha and Chhattisgarh on sharing the waters of Mahanadi river. He termed the development as ‘sad’ and accused the BJP of not paying attention to the state’s needs.
“It is sad that the BJP-led government at the Centre is silent over the sensitive Mahanadi water dispute,” Patnaik said while addressing the ruling BJD’s valedictory programme of the ‘Mahanadi Suraksha Abhiyan’ here in Jagatsinghpur district.
In an apparent show of strength ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state, Patnaik censured the BJP over its stand on the Mahanadi dispute at a massive gathering in the port town.
Odisha has constantly opposed Chhattisgarh’s construction on upstream Mahanadi as the projects are disrupting the flow of water in the river.
While stating that the ecosystem of Chilika lake, Satkosia and Bhitarkanika sanctuaries are dependent on Mahanadi waters, Patnaik said: “We are not fighting for just water, we are fighting for the life of Mahanadi. If Mahanadi is to be saved as a river, water level should be maintained in its 500 km basin during summer.”
Patanaik claimed that the BJP leaders in Odisha were shedding crocodile tears and supporting the alleged illegal constructions by the Chhattisgarh government on the river.
“The people of Odisha have now understood their double standards. If the BJP leaders have any regard for the interest of Odisha, they would oppose the (construction) works by Chhattisgarh,” Patnaik said and added that due to the persistent efforts of his government a tribunal has been established to resolve the Mahanadi dispute.
The Chief Minister had flagged off the ‘Mahanadi Surakhsha Abhiyan’ May 16 from Bargarh and Jharsuguda districts.
The BJP hit back at Patnaik for flaying the Centre over Mahanadi and said the CM ‘wants the row to linger’. “The Centre tried its best to resolve Mahanadi river water row between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, but Naveen Patnaik did not cooperate as he sought to play politics on the issue,” BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters.