Odisha says Centre dragging feet on Mahanadi due to Chhattisgarh polls

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha’s ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday accused the Centre of delaying the formation of Mahanadi river water disputes tribunal, alleging it was being done with an eye on Chhattisgarh polls this year.

BJD legislators turned the heat on the BJP-led central government in the assembly, where the budget session resumed after an 11-day break, and said it was conspiring against Odisha.

House proceedings were adjourned following din over the tribunal and BJD legislators trooped out for a demonstration on the assembly premises.

“The terms of reference (for forming the tribunal) have not been communicated to the chief secretary. Why is the Centre dillydallying on the tribunal? We will continue our fight to safeguard Odisha’s interests,” said BJD chief whip Amar Prasad Satpathy.

Last month, the Centre announced a three-member tribunal headed by Supreme Court judge Justice AM Khanwilkar would be formed to adjudicate the equitable sharing of Mahanadi water between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

In January, dismissing the Centre’s arguments, the SC had asked it to form the tribunal.

The river, which runs 851 km before draining into Bay of Bengal, fuels lower riparian Odisha’s economy and agriculture.

The river courses through at least 20 of Odisha’s 30 districts.