BJD seeks PM Modi's intervention in resolving Mahanadi issue

Sambalpur: Senior BJD leader and Rajya Sabha member Prasanna Acharya on Tuesday sought intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in resolving the Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Addressing a presser in Sambalpur, Acharya said that the flow of Mahanadi water to downstream has been adversely affected due to the construction of barrages by the Chhattisgarh government at the upper catchment areas of the river.

"If PM Modi will actively intervene, the Mahanadi issue can be resolved. Centre should not politicise the issue," said Acharya.

Reacting to Acharya's comment, BJP's senior leader Biswabhusan Harichandan said that in a federal structure a prime minister has no rights to interfere in disputes (land or water) between two states or more.

"A Tribunal to resolve the Mahanadi issue has already been formed. So, there's no point in discussing it," Harichandan added.