Sambalpur: Orissa would achieve a milestone in development if river Mahanadi, considered a lifeline of the state, is linked with river Godavari, said Union minister for water resources and river development Uma Bharti. She said this while speaking to media here during her three-day visit to the state.
She said the state is rich with water resources and mineral deposits. It can reap huge benefits if these resources are handled properly, said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader.
She said she will hold discussions with senior officials of the state and Centre over issues like Hirakud watershade project, proper management of irrigation and growing pollution in river Mahanadi.
Replying to queries by the media on proper management of irrigation projects, Bharti said in the first phase, initiatives would be taken to repair existing canals. She said while 60 per cent of canals are in working condition, the remaining 40 per cent are lying defunct. A major portion of the irrigation problem would be solved after existing canals are repaired.
Coming down heavily on opponents, she termed the issue of intolerance as a “false propaganda” against the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. “India has been a liberal country and will remain so. It cannot be compared with any other nation so far as its ideologies are concerned. It is considered a global leader for its moderate and tolerant ideologies and cannot be compared with any other nation,” she said.
She later inspected a guard of honour before her departure to address a rally at Redhakhol. She also visited Hirakud reservoir and embankment.
Among others, BJP’s district president Nauri Nayak, national secretary Suresh Pujari, former Rajya Sabha MP Rudra Narayan Pani, Subas Chouhan and Sukant Panigrahi were present at the media meet.
PNN
