Cuttack: In order to draw the attention of the Centre to resolve the long-standing inter-State Mahanadi River water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, two youths of the State embarked on a cycle ride all the way to New Delhi.
The two B.Tech students- Krushnakanta Sarangi and Subash Barik reportedly residents of Cuttack started a cycle ride from the silver city yesterday after offering prayers at Kali Mandia in Jobra.
The duo have decided to meet President Ramnath Kovind and PM Narendra Modi after reaching Delhi and submit a memorandum seeking the Centre’s intervention to resolve the river dispute.
“Due to the unilateral construction of barrages by the Chhattisgarh Government in the upper basin of Mahanadi River, the water flow in the river has extensively decreased. I would request the PM to intervene in the matter as it is a matter of concern for 4 crore people of Odisha. We want the formation of a River Board where both CMs of both the states can discuss and resolve the issue amicably,” Sarangi said before starting the cycle ride to Delhi.
“Mahanadi River is the mother of Odisha and as a son, It is my responsibility to fight for her dignity. We will intimate the matter to PM Modi and urge him to solve the issue, said another student Subash Barik.