Gadkari urges CM Naveen to resolve Mahanadi dispute through discussion

Bhubaneswar: Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari has urged Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to settle the Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh through mutual discussion.

In a letter to CM Naveen, the Union Minister said that formation of tribunal on such dispute only delays the solution. Records show that solution to water disputes through tribunals take 20 to 30 years to be resolved. So, in the very interest of both the states, an amicable solution through dialogue is necessary, said Gadkari.

"The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Madhya Pradesh and Odisha (Dt. 27-04-1983) provides a mechanism to resolve the issue through formation of a Joint Control Board. However, no Control Board has been constituted. I appeal to you to initiate early action for formation of the Control Board," he said.

Gadkari also requested the Chief Minister to communicate a date convenient to him for discussion, adding that the Centre is committed to safeguard the interests of Odisha and ensure no injustice is done to the State.