The main opposition Congress in Chhattisgarh today raised the issue of "pollution" of the Mahanadi river during the ongoing 'Kumbh' fair at Rajim in Gariaband district, on the floor of the Legislative Assembly.
Congress MLAs Dhanendra Sahu, Satyanarayan Sharma and Kawasi Lakhma sought a detailed discussion on the issue while moving an adjournment motion notice.
"Rajim is a popular historical pilgrim site located on the banks of Mahanadi river. People visit the place to take a holy dip in the river on different occasions," Sahu said.
The state government organises the Kumbh fair every year at Rajim during Mahashivratri, which falls on February 13 this year.
The fair is held on river bed (on dried part) after laying temporary moorum road on it.
"This year also 25-km length of moorum road has been laid while around 600 temporary toilets were made on the river bed," Sahu said.
He alleged that the river has lost its identity as sewage water discharged from temporary toilets is polluting the river water.
He alleged corruption in the name of organising the Kumbh festival.
Congress MLAs demanded a discussion on the issue through the adjournment motion notice.
Shivratan Sharma, who was in the Speaker's chair, rejected the demand, saying the same issue was raised yesterday by the Opposition members and that they have already submitted their points on it.
Unhappy with the reply, the Congress members shouted slogans and staged a walkout in the House.
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