By Arindam Ganguly
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Thursday said a final framework for resolving the long-standing issue is expected to emerge very soon, taking into account the interests of both Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Majhi’s statement came af ter he attended a high-level meeting in New Delhi chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also attended the meeting.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Majhi said the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere and had been positive. “We are gradually moving closer to a solution. I hope the final framework will be announced very soon,” Majhi said, adding that the solution would take into account the interests and requirements of both Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Majhi said the Mahanadi is the “lifeline” of Odisha and supports the livelihoods of crores of people in the state.
He said several issues concerning Odisha, including irrigation, flood management, hydropower generation, drinking water supply and environmental concerns, were raised during the meeting. Majhi said particular empha sis was placed on ensuring adequate availability of Mahanadi water for Odisha.
