 "Chhattisgarh master plan on Mahanadi objectionable: Odisha")
"The proposal by Chhattisgarh in its master plan is not acceptable. If implemented, it will adversely affect water flow to Odisha. As of now, our assessment is that their government has either utilised 37.5 per cent of the waters or they have projects under implementation", said Odisha chief secretary Aditya Padhi.
The Odisha government is now awaiting receipt of information on the detailed project reports (DPRs) of seven barrages that Chhattisgarh has proposed. While three barrages have already been constructed, the Chhattisgarh government has sought approval from the Central Water Commission (CWC) to go ahead with the fourth barrage.
All the seven barrages have to be taken in an integrated manner and not as standalone projects, the chief secretary said.
Padhi alleged that the Chhattisgarh government did not consult Odisha while going ahead with the construction of the three barrages. Besides, CWC also gave its clearance for these barrages without taking Odisha on board, he said.
"As of now, we are awaiting official communication from the Chhattisgarh government. If after receipt of the letter we feel that Odisha's interest is affected, we will unhesitatingly approach an appropriate forum", Padhi added.
The water feud between the neighbouring states has snowballed into a controversy, sparking debate in the Parliament. Odisha pointed out that due to the ongoing Arpa-Bhaisajhar project in Chhattisgarh, availability of water in the Hirakud dam during the non-monsoon period was insignificant.
The Centre brokered to resolve the rift by arranging a meeting between the two states last Friday. The Union water resources ministry has asked the two contiguous states to exchange information on use of Mahanadi river waters. The ministry also committed that the detailed project reports (DPRs) for the projects are duly shared by CWC with the co-basin states.
Of late, chief minister Naveen Patnaik has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention to break the deadlock over sharing of Mahanadi waters. Patnaik urged the Chhattisgarh government to stop all construction till the issue is resolved. "Mahanadi is the life line of our state. We shall not allow Mahanadi to dry out because of the unilateral and blatant actions of Chhattisgarh. I assure the people of the state that my government will take up the issue at various levels and leave no stone unturned to establish our justifiable rights over the water of Mahanadi", the Odisha chief minister asserted.