Post News Network
New Delhi, July 20: Biju Janata Dal members Wednesday asked the Centre to take steps to stop construction of proposed barrages by the Chhattisgarh government on the Mahanadi, saying it would impact 65 per cent of the population of Orissa.
Raising the matter in the Lok Sabha, BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab said the Central agencies have remained ‘silent spectators’ on the entire issue.
Criticising the Chhattisgarh government for launching construction activities without taking into account the interest of the people of Orissa, Mahtab said as Mahanadi flows across the two states, the matter should be resolved soon to safeguard the interest of farmers in Orissa.
Soon after a discussion over attacks on some Dalit families in Gujarat, Mahtab raised the issue of problems faced by Orissa farmers dependent on the Hirakud dam and river Mahanadi.
In his speech, Mahtab said, ‘‘Some ongoing projects in Chhattisgarh and nearby areas on river Mahanadi have affected the lives of farmers and locals who rely on the river for their livelihood. I want the Centre to look into the matter and take appropriate action.” Earlier in the day, BJD MPs staged a demonstration on the issue on Parliament premises.
‘‘Environment Ministry should take up the issue on behalf of the people of Orissa… 65 per cent of our population is going to get affected if this dam is constructed. Centre should take measures to stop the construction of the barrage,’’ Mahtab said. BJD MP from Jagatsinghpur Kulamani Samal during Zero Hour raised issues affecting people residing in and near Paradip. He said, ‘‘Ammonia gas emitted from Paradip refineries has been affecting the lives of people living nearby. I urge the Centre to take appropriate steps so that gas emissions could be handled scientifically and that locals do not suffer the consequences of the hazard.’’
