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Odisha refused to commit its stand on the Centre's proposal for inter-linking of Mahanadi and Godavari rivers, saying the matter needed more clarity.
"Till now, the Government of India has given only a concept note on the river inter-linking plan. They are yet to present a formal proposal. Before taking any decision, we need data on the extent of displacement, quantum of water availability in the Mahanadi basin and dams or barrages to be built. At this stage, it would be premature to announce any decision by the state government", said principal secretary, water resources P K Jena.
Recently, a five member central team led by Amarjit Singh, additional secretary (water resources) made a presentation to chief minister Naveen Patnaik on the Mahanadi-Godavari river inter-linking plan.
The project promised irrigation for 443,000 hectare of land, including 352,000 hectare in southern districts, generation of 445 Mw electricity and flood control.
The project proposed to divert Mahanadi river water to Godavari through Nayagarh, Khurda, Ganjam and Gajapati districts by storing surplus water in a reservoir planned at Manibhadra and four barrages at different places from where water finally flows into the Mahanadi.
