‘Waterman of India’ meets Odisha, Chhattisgarh CMs over Mahanadi dispute

Bhubaneswar: 'Waterman of India' Rajendra Singh has met Chief Ministers of Odisha and Chhattisgarh requesting to resolve the ongoing Mahanadi water dispute between the two states.

Singh had a discussion with Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh to find out a solution on the issue.

In an exclusive interview to OTV, Rajendra said, "I asked both the Chief Ministers to not make it an issue similar to Cauvery water sharing dispute. I first met Odisha CM who has a positive approach towards the matter. He said Chhattisgarh has given Mahanadi water to industries and has constructed barrages with the money received from these industries. They took permission for small barrages and constructed six huge barrages. Raman Singh on the other hand said that he has made Odisha flood free as the barrages will check the flood waters."

Talking about solution on the issue, Singh said, "Recently, NGT in its decision has stopped construction of 31 proposed projects and completely closed six projects by Chhattisgarh. Both the states should work together by following the court's order and execute it. Formation of Tribunal will not solve any issue, only if the two Chief Ministers and leaders of both states sit together and take a common stand on the issue, it will be solved."