Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today met the representatives of at least 16 organisations, including two Left parties, and discussed the sensitive issue of Mahanadi water dispute with neighbouring Chhattisgarh.
Patnaik, who two days ago had sought the views of individuals, voluntary organisations and political parties, said the state government was "committed" to fight for the interests of the people of Odisha.
"The Mahanadi is the lifeline of Odisha and steps are being taken to protect the rights of the people over the river," the chief minister told the representatives who met him ahead of the tripartite meeting convened by the Centre on the issue on Saturday.
"We have given our suggestions and advocated for setting up a tribunal to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh which has been constructing projects on the upstream of the river," CPI(M) state secretary Ali Kishore Patnaik said.
Senior CPI(M) leaders Janardan Pati and Suresh Panigrahi also gave their suggestions to the chief minister.
Forward Bloc, represented by its state convenor PC Padhi and joint coordinator Jyoti Ranjan Mohapatra, also expressed its views.
Representatives of voluntary organisations, including those working for water and river conservation also met the chief minister.
Patnaik will continue meeting people on the issue tomorrow, a release issued by the Chief Minister's Office said.
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