The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday blamed neighbouring Chhattisgarh for a flood-like situation in the Mahanadi basin in Odisha.
“Chhattisgarh is releasing flood water into lower catchments of the Mahanadi river without communicating with Odisha authorities,” said BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra. “During extreme necessity of water for agriculture and livelihoods, the neighbouring Chhattisgarh would obstruct release of water into lower catchments by constructing barrages on the Mahanadi river. But, in rainy season, they would release excessive water without consideration that triggers flood like situation in Odisha,” he added. Mishra condemned BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh for its monopoly tendency for utilisation of Mahanadi water and termed its system as ‘faulty’.“What we had expected earlier, now it was proved right. The barrages on Mahanadi have been constructed violating the environment rules only to benefit the industries. No proper plan has been made by the Chhattisgarh Government to control flood situation. The allegations, which are presently pending in the tribunal, are all proved true.” Mishra added.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Arjun Ram Meghwal, who is on a tour of the State, said to reporters that he would speak to the Chhattisgarh authorities about the issue. In case of a dispute between two States, the role of the Centre is to be a catalyst.