The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Sunday launched a programme 'Save Water Drive' as an initiative to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute between Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
"Farmers have the first and foremost right over Mahanadi water. But, unfortunately, this right has been snatched away by both the Chhattisgarh and Odisha Governments. The Chief Ministers of both the States should come forward to find out a solution to this vital problem," demanded party leaders.
They said the Odisha Government should try to solve the issue by forming a joint committee through Central Water Commission or Water Tribunal.
The party launched the 'Save Water Drive' here as 19 villages under lakhanpur block have first touched Mahanadi water from Chhatisgarh.
The public meeting was presided over by State Council Member Anit Chakraborty. Senior party leaders from both Chhatisgarh and Odisha attended the meeting.
Among others, party's Madhya Pradesh senior leader Chitaranjan Baxi, Raigarh CPI leaders Debendra Sribastiv, Momtaj Bharati, AITUC State president Ashok Dash, CPI State Secretary Debendra Nayak, Khirod Singhdeo, Sarangdhar Mishra, Mahaeswar Barik, Ashok Kanungo, Ashok Dash and Gajananda Sahoo were present.
The leaders went to the middle of Mahanadi river through boats and declared to continue protest for the safety of Mahanadi river in the coming days.