Mahanadi row: One state cannot claim ownership of an interstate river, says BJP leader

Bhubaneswar: Senior BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra on Saturday dubbed the recent remarks of Chhattisgarh commercial tax and industry minister Amar Agarwal on Mahanadi as ‘one-sided’.

Addressing a press conference, Mohapatra criticised Agarwal claiming rights over Mahanadi water.

Also Read:Chhattisgarh refutes charges of blocking Mahanadi water at Kalma

Earlier, attending the BJP's Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas programme in Burla, Agrawal had said that water cess from industrial houses has been collected for 15 years in advance and the money had been used for construction of three to four barrages on the river on the Chhattisgarh side.

The statements had elicited sharp reaction from several political parties including BJD which said Odisha has equal rights on Mahanadi.

“The Minister has forgotten that Mahanadi is an Inter-State river and his statements are not acceptable,” said Mohapatra.

The senior BJP leader further stated that Central Water Commission (CWC) has a greater role to play in resolving the water sharing dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

“CWC at present is not playing its role. Instead of politicising the issue, it should ensure amicable solution by ensuring that water sharing agreement is signed by the officials of both the states,” Mohapatra added.

BJD took the side of the veteran BJP leader. "He has not said anything wrong. When CWC has not given its consent to Arpa-Bhaisajhar Project and Mahanadi Dynamic projects, how these were funded by NABARD", BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb said.

On the other hand, Congress leveled fresh allegation against the neighbouring State. "Chhattisgarh has sold Mahanadi to one Kailash Soni, director of Radius Water Ltd, for a term of 22 years and he is selling water to the industries. Odisha MPs are left to shed crocodile tears", PCC president Prasad Harichandan said.