MAHANADI 2 LAST

To resolve the dispute, the Union Water Resources To resolve the dispute, the Union Water ResourcesMinister proposed that both Odisha and Chhattisgarh stop workfor a week on projects which have become a bone of contentionbetween the two states. Asked whether the states agreed to this, she said, "wecan only propose" as water is a state subject. Terming Mahanadi as "lifeline" for Odisha, Patnaik saidChhattisgarh’s barrages on Mahanadi will "seriously" affectsupply of drinking water and irrigation activities in Odishabesides creating environmental issues in its sanctuaries. "I raised the point strongly and said the Chhattisgarhgovernment must stop work on their barrages on Mahanadi river.At least, stop work for sometime, sit down and look into thesematters. But they were not agreeable. I have called a meetingof the Cabinet in Bhubaneswar tomorrow. We will decidesteps to take. We will leave no stone unturned in the interestof people of Odisha," he said. Asked if the meeting did not yield any solution forOdisha, Patnaik said, "I said (it) quite clearly." Singh downplayed concerns raised by Patnaik saying thequantum of water which flows from Chhattisgarh to Odisha’sHirakud Dam can fill the reservoir "five times" and said theneighbouring state’s objection as "surprising". When asked about Patnaik’s decision to call statecabinet’s meeting to decide further steps in the matter,Bharti said, "It is the state’s right to take steps it wants.We have no right to advise any state on it." She added that the Central Water Commission (CWC) has notreceived any master plan from Chhattisgarh for any projecton Mahanadi. Speaking about issues raised by Patnaik during thetwo-and-half hour meeting, Singh said the six barrages,construction of which is being questioned by Odisha, arecomplete to the extent of 99 percent and don’t requirepermission of CWC. He sought to quiz timing of theneighbouring state’s objection. He also blamed Odisha for not being ready to form a boardto settle inter-state disputes over use of Mahanadi. "Chhattisgarh is using only 15 percent of the riverwater. 35 percent is used by Odisha. Rest is flowing into thesea. You use this downstream water going into sea," Singhadvised Odisha government. PTI ENMAKK