Bhubaneswar: Ib River is the next target of Chhattisgarh government after Mahanadi, alleged BJD in a presser today. The ruling party claimed that while the Mahanadi water dispute is still unresolved and the tribunal is yet to start functioning, the neighbouring State has started construction of a barrage on Maini river, the major tributary of Ib River.
BJD also blamed the Centre for the delay in functioning of the tribunal citing that the latter has till date not provided the Terms of reference (TOR) and required infrastructure.
The project on Maini will hinder water inflow into Ib River which will have an adverse effect on the people of Western Odisha, alleged the ruling party.
Mahanadi River is drying up due to closure of all 66 gates of Kalma barrage by Chhattisgarh government and it has severely affected the Mahanadi-dependent districts in Odisha, rued BJD MP Prasanna Acharya and senior party leader Debi Prasad Mishra.
"The case of unilateral construction of barrages by Chhattisgarh over Mahanadi to obstruct the passage of water will go to the tribunal. But, Chhattisgarh government in an attempt to rub salt into the wound have started construction of a barrage on Maini river, which will adversely affect the Ib river," said Acharya.
On the other hand, BJP State Vice President Sameer Mohanty targeted the ruling party and said, "As the State is facing acute shortage of water and unannounced power cut, the ruling party is orchestrating an act similar to the Kalash Jatra and Melani."
BJD has meanwhile called for a mass convention on Mahanadi water dispute on April 15 to chalk out future course of action, informed BJD general secretary Sanjay Dasburma.