Mahanadi Water Dispute: BJD Questions BJP's Stance

Ahead of a high-level all-party meeting on the Mahanadi water dispute, Odisha's BJD challenges the BJP government with five key questions. Highlighting the Mahanadi as Odisha's lifeline, BJD accuses Chhattisgarh of violating norms by constructing barrages upstream. The issue affects Odisha's agriculture, ecology, and livelihoods.

The BJD has raised five critical questions to the BJP-led state government before a high-level, all-party meeting on the Mahanadi water dispute. Prasanna Acharya, the BJD deputy leader in the Odisha Assembly, led the charge, describing the Mahanadi River as Odisha's lifeline and criticizing upstream activities by Chhattisgarh.

These questions address the terms for an out-of-court settlement, potential withdrawal from the Mahanadi Tribunal, and whether the state government will engage major political parties and activist organizations in negotiations. Concerns about halted constructions and expedited legal processes are also on the agenda.

Amid accusations that Chhattisgarh's BJP government is restricting the river's natural flow through barrage construction, Acharya called for a 'triple engine government' clarification. In response, BJP's Jaynarayan Mishra questioned past BJD inaction. The dispute, which began in earnest in 2018 with the formation of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal, continues to significantly impact Odisha's agriculture and livelihoods.

(With inputs from agencies.)