Odisha’s river, territorial rights will not be compromised: Law Minister

The State’s resolve to protect its territorial and water rights remains unyielding. Its interests will be protected at all costs and will not be compromised, said Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Tuesday.

Addressing the media on the ongoing legal disputes over the Mahanadi River water and the Polavaram project, Law Minister Harichandan declared that the State will steadfastly pursue justice via legal avenues.

Also Read: BJD launches protest over Polavaram project in New Delhi

Criticising the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government, the Law Minister accused it of failing to adequately address the much-debated Vamshadhara and Kotia issues, resulting in significant setbacks. He assured that such lapses would not occur under the current government, and confirmed that Odisha's legal teams are prepared to tackle these issues competently.

“In the past days, the way they (BJD-led government) lost the legal battles in the Vamshadhara and Kotia cases due to their negligence, will not happen now. To protect the interests of Odisha, the Government will take care of each matter concerning the State. Be it the legal matter of Mahanadi River or the Polavaram project, all necessary steps will be taken,” the Minister said while speaking to mediapersons.

Must Read: Odisha to constitute Inter-ministerial committee to resolve inter-state disputes

“We will make efforts to win in the legal battles. Even, assistance from the Central government will be sought, in case required, and the State government is vigilant and prepared. Our legal team is poised for the battles and no stone will be left unturned for this,” the Law Minister asserted.

Meanwhile, on December 5, the Opposition BJD escalated its protests in New Delhi, expressing concerns over the Polavaram dam project. A delegation of BJD Members of Parliament (MPs) and senior leaders engaged in discussions with officials from the Central Water Commission, Ministry of Jal Shakti, and Ministry of Tribal Affairs, following their submission of a memorandum.