A drive has been launched by social organisation “Odisha and Chhattisgarh Mahanadi Banchao Jibika Banchao” in Sukhasoda village under Lakhanpur block of Jharsuguda district.
The people of both Odisha and Chhattisgarh were made aware of the rights of farmers and fishermen on the Mahanadi water.
The organisation further said that although the Government of both the States are giving priority to industries but are being entangled in litigations for the Mahanadi. After construction of a barrage in Kalmatha of Chhattisgarh, fishermen and farmers of Odisha have lost their livelihood. But, without giving any priority, the Chhattisgarh Government has made up their mind to supply water to industries by constructing big barrages over the Mahanadi river.
The Odisha Government is objecting to such barrage construction by Chhattisgarh Government anticipating shortage of water for the industries in Odisha. But, due to this dispute, thousands of farmers and fishermen are losing their livelihood and the State Governments of both States are not giving any attention, alleged the organisation members.
Former Union Minister Braja Kishore Tripathy, Odisha Field Mazdoor Union president Sisir Hui, Anant Panda and Sudarshan Chhotoray were present.
This drive has been launched from Balapur near Kalma Barrage of Chhattisgarh from October 2, on the 150th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. While the drive was held at Sukhasoda on the second day, the organisers said that this will end on December 10 this year during observation of the World Human Rights Day.
Last year, the Odisha Government launched the “Save Mahanadi Drive” before election when CM Naveen Patnaik gave assurance to fight for the Mahanadi till his last breath. But, after election the Chief Minister forgot his assurance on Mahanadi.
As the farmers and fishermen have lost their livelihood by water dispute, they will resort to large scale agitation in the coming days for which the Government of both the States will be held responsible, said the organisation members.