New Delhi: The Centre today attempted to resolve the Mahanadi river water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh at a trilateral meeting in New Delhi. But Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was not happy with the meeting and said his government will on Sunday decide on steps to safeguard the state's interests.
At the meeting convened by Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti, it was decided that a committee would be formed to examine dam projects, including those on the Mahanadi, in the two states to see if rules were flouted during their construction.
Chief Minister Patnaik said he wanted Chhattisgarh to immediately stop work on its barrages, but his demand was not accepted at the meeting which was also attended by his counterpart Raman Singh.
"A committee will be formed under officer on special duty to examine all the projects of Chhattisagarh and Odisha which are eligible to be first studied by technical advisory committee (TAC), but are being built without TAC's go ahead.
The committee, which will also have officials from the two states as their members, will study the projects within a week. Two teams will be sent to the two states to gather data.
"If the committee says, a board will be set up to settle disputes. The committee will be headed by Water Resources Ministry official and will have officials from both states, Water Resources Ministry officials and environmentalists as its members," she added.
Among other things, Ms Bharti said Chhattisgarh proposed setting up of a gauge station by Central Water Commission at a point where Mahanadi enters Odisha to know amount of water flows to latter. "Odisha has backed the proposal," she added.
At the meeting convened by Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti, it was decided that a committee would be formed to examine dam projects, including those on the Mahanadi, in the two states to see if rules were flouted during their construction.
Chief Minister Patnaik said he wanted Chhattisgarh to immediately stop work on its barrages, but his demand was not accepted at the meeting which was also attended by his counterpart Raman Singh.
"A committee will be formed under officer on special duty to examine all the projects of Chhattisagarh and Odisha which are eligible to be first studied by technical advisory committee (TAC), but are being built without TAC's go ahead.
Advertisement
The committee, which will also have officials from the two states as their members, will study the projects within a week. Two teams will be sent to the two states to gather data.
Advertisement
"If the committee says, a board will be set up to settle disputes. The committee will be headed by Water Resources Ministry official and will have officials from both states, Water Resources Ministry officials and environmentalists as its members," she added.
Advertisement
Among other things, Ms Bharti said Chhattisgarh proposed setting up of a gauge station by Central Water Commission at a point where Mahanadi enters Odisha to know amount of water flows to latter. "Odisha has backed the proposal," she added.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Naveen Patnaik's 24-Year WFH A Headache For New Odisha Government Odisha Won't Like Chief Minister Remote Controlled By Delhi: VK Pandian "I Am Natural Successor To Naveen Patnaik's Great Values," Says Aide VK Pandian Life On Earth Originates From One Ancestor, Older Than Previously Believed Kolkata Rape-Murder: Fractures, 150 mg Semen, Other Claims Denied By Cops Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah To Be Prosecuted In Land Scam Case 100 Firefighters Tackle Large Blaze At Historic London Art Centre Tahawwur Rana, 26/11 Mumbai Attacks Accused, Can Be Sent To India: US Court Mumbai University Invites Applications For Distance Learning Courses Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.