The BJP on Wednesday severely criticised the State Government for claiming that it had not been informed about Kelo multipurpose project constructed upstream the Mahanadi neither by the Chhattisgarh Government
nor by the Centre, which ought to have happened in the federal system.
“There had been an internal communication between Chief Engineer, Project Planning and Formulation and Engineer-in-chief on April 4, 2008 regarding NOC of the Kelo project. Earlier to this, three letters had been exchanged between the Odisha Government and Chhattisgarh Government. From these five letters, it is well established that the Odisha Government had full knowledge about construction of the Kelo project in Chhattisgarh,” said party general secretary Bhrugu Baxipatra at a Press meet here.
He said the Kelo project authorities had sent a letter to the Chief Engineer, Project Planning and Formulation on February 2, 2008 and informed the Central Water Commission about submission of detailed project report before the Odisha Government.
He said Chief Minister should desist himself being a Michha Tathyara Saudagar (trader of untruth data) and take legal steps to protect interest of Odisha. He said the BJP is committed to protect interest of people vis-a-vis use of Mahanadi water.
He presented copies of letters to mediapersons present there.
“There is still time to protect Mahanadi for interest of Odisha. The Odisha Government should take legal steps and refrain from giving false statements,” said Baxipatra.
Among others, BJP State vice-president Sameer Mohanty, MlA Pradeep Purohit and spokespersons Sajjan Sharma and Golak Mohapatra were present.