Centre's silence over Mahanadi dispute 'sad': Patnaik

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said today that the Centre's silence over a row between Odisha and Chhattisgarh on sharing the waters of Mahanadi river is "sad" and accused the BJP of not paying attention to the state's needs.

Patnaik's remarks came a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Cuttack on the banks of the Mahanadi river where he will also address a public meeting.

"It is sad that the BJP-led government at the Centre is silent over the sensitive Mahanadi water dispute," Patnaik said, addressing the ruling BJD's valedictory programme of the 'Mahanadi Suraksha Abhiyan' here in Jagatsinghpur district.

In an apparent show of strength ahead of the prime minister's visit, Patnaik criticised the BJP over its stand on the Mahanadi dispute at a massive gathering in the port town.

Odisha has been opposing Chhattisgarh's construction on upstream Mahanadi, claiming the projects are disrupting the flow of water in the river.

While stating that the ecosystem of Chilika lake, Satkosia and Bhitarkanika sanctuaries survive on Mahanadi waters, Patnaik said: "We are not fighting for just water, we are fighting for the life of Mahanadi. If Mahanadi is to be saved as a river, water level should be maintained in its 500 km basin during summer."