Odisha minister slams previous BJD-govt in Assembly over Mahanadi River water dispute

Odisha Minister Mukesh Mahaling criticised the previous BJD-led government in the Assembly for mishandling the Mahanadi River dispute, emphasising recent water management plans. He highlighted ongoing projects and challenged the previous government.

Odisha minister slams previous BJD-govt in Assembly over Mahanadi River water dispute

The two BJP and BJD leaders in Odisha Assembly

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In the Budget Session of the Odisha Assembly, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling criticized the previous government’s way of handling the Mahanadi River issue. A discussion was initiated by BJD leader Prasanna Acharya on Thursday in which the Deputy Leader of the Opposition queried the current government’s water management plans.

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“There has been an adverse impact on Odisha after the Chhattisgarh government constructed around eight barrages on the Mahanadi River. The future of Hirakud Dam is also at stake,” BJD’s Prasanna Acharya said.

“After this government came to power, are there any plans made within the last eight months and if so, which are the places demarcated for storage of water in lower catchment areas of Hirakud Dam? How much is the total estimated cost of the projects?” the BJD leader questioned.

BJP Minister slams previous government

Mukesh Mahaling highlighted plans undertaken in the last eight months for 31 significant water projects, alongside 27 barrages, 72 Integrated Surface Storing (ISS) structures, and 79 minor water storage initiatives, collectively budgeted at around Rs 51,000 Crore.

The BJP Minister Mahaling emphasised that the Water Resources Department is devising a comprehensive roadmap for these measures to be executed over the next five years, as stated by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister on behalf of the Chief Minister.

Mahaling also retorted by questioning the number of dams completed by the previous government over their 24-year term.

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“You (the senior BJD leader) must have the information as to how many barrages were constructed (by the previous government), following the water dispute with neighbouring Chhattisgarh,” the BJP Minister expressed.

“In the past eight months, we have undertaken 31 major water projects, 27 barrages, and around 72 ISS structure, including 79 minor water projects,” Minister Mahaling added.

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