Jharsuguda: There can be no compromise with Odisha’s interests — this was the declaration made by the BJP government as it came to power in the state. Even after 10 months of the “Double Engine” government assuming power here, not once has the government raised its voice on any issue concerning the state’s interests. Despite having 20 BJP MPs elected to the Lok Sabha from Odisha and the Revenue Minister of the state being the MLA from Brajarajnagar, with the Chief Minister himself holding the Water Resources Department portfolio, no one has spoken up regarding the Mahanadi water dispute.
As a result, Odisha is suffering, and its people are grappling with severe water scarcity. There is no water for irrigation, nor for drinking purposes.
The Mahanadi Exposes the Triple Engine’s Failure
Only trickles of water — through gaps of just five centimeters — are reaching Odisha. Water projects are not receiving adequate water supply. Hydroelectric projects too are unable to get the necessary water. Despite this grave situation, neither the “Double Engine” (State + Centre) nor the “Triple Engine” (State + Centre + Chhattisgarh) governments are making any serious effort or even issuing statements on the matter.
One after another, the Chhattisgarh government has closed all the gates of the Kalma Barrage. Out of 66 gates of the barrage, 65 have been completely shut, leaving just one gate slightly open by a mere five centimeters — only for show. Instead of flowing downstream into Odisha, the water is sinking back into the riverbed at the barrage itself.
Since the beginning of April this year, Chhattisgarh has effectively blocked the flow of the Mahanadi towards Odisha.