The Mahanadi issue as being debated in the media is not linked to Odisha’s interest; rather, it is related to the interests of various political organisations and leaders, said Utkal Bharat president Kharavela Swain in a statement on Monday.
“River water distribution is not a problem in the country. While distribution waters of the Krishna, the Cauvery and the Narmada have remained disputed among States, India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh are fighting for Sindhu and Teesta river waters. Politicians are trying to take advantages out of these disputes over the years. Similarly, Odisha and Chhattisgarh are trying to get political gains over the Mahanadi issue now,” argued Swain.
He said the Mahanadi remains dry for eight months in a year as water flow is checked at the Hirakud Dam and flows for four months during monsoon period and creates floods.
“The Chhattisgarh Government might have constructed with funds of companies to provide them water. But it needs to be probed whether the Hirakud water reservoir dries up due to barrages constructed in Chhattisharh,” he said.
He said the Odisha Government should approach the Supreme Court, where the case is pending, if the reservoir water dries up for barrages in Chhattisgarh.
“The Union Government and the Chhattisgarh Government are not Sautuni (co-wife) of Utkal Janani, and the Supreme Court is not partial to any State or the Center. Hence, the BJD Government should aproach the SC and not target the BJP Governments at the Centre and Chhattisgarh to garner votes,” Swain argued further.
He said the Utkal Bharat doesn’t run after nonissues for political gains rather wants to protect Odisha’s interest though consensus.