Odisha prepared for discussion on Mahanadi water issue: CM

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday said that his government is well prepared for the tripartite meeting to be held on September 17 in Delhi on the Mahanadi river water dispute.

"We are fully prepared for the discussion with the central government on 17th in this month," the Chief Minister, who also heads the Water Resources Department, told reporters here.

He also invited suggestions from different political parties and voluntary organisations on the issue.

"I welcome suggestions from individuals, voluntary organisations and political parties on Mahanadi issue," said the Chief Minister after holding a preparatory meeting at the state secretariat here.

The meeting was attended by four ministers - Debi Prasad Mishra, Bikram Keshari Arukh, Usha Devi and Bijayshree Routray. Besides, the chief secretary, development commissioner and other officials were present.

A tripartite meeting will be attended by the Chief Ministers of Odisha and Chhattisgarh and Union Minister for Water Resources to resolve the water sharing dispute.

The ruling Biju Janata Dal's fact-finding team, which had visited Chhattisgarh last month for an on-the-spot study of the existing and upcoming projects in the upstream of Mahanadi river, submitted its report to party chief and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday.

The report contained information about the construction of projects under PPP mode by the Chhattisgarh government to provide water to industries, construction of existing and ongoing projects without informing the Odisha government, said BJD sources.

IANS

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