Paradip: May 25: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today addressed a gathering at Paradip in Jagatsinhpur district of Odisha on the occasion of the valedictory programme of Mahanadi Suraksha Abhiyan. Criticizing the Central Government Naveen said, it is unfortunate that the BJP led government at the Centre is silent on the Mahanadi Issue.
He said. ‘We are not fighting for just water, buT for the life of Mahanadi. If Mahanadi needs to be saved as a river, water-level should be maintained in its 500 kms basin during summer’.
Attacking the Odisha BJP leaders, Naveen alleged, the BJP leaders in Odisha are shedding crocodile tears and supporting the illegal barrage construction works taken up by Chhattisgarh government on Mahanadi. If BJP leaders really caring the interests of people of Odisha, they should oppose the works of Chhattisgarh’.
Speaking on the efforts of his government, BJD Supremo said, ‘it is due to the efforts of the State government that a Tribunal has been set up to resolve the dispute.’
Naveen also expressed concern over the eco-systems of Satkosia, Chilika and Bhitarkanika which are dependent on Mahanadi. So, it needs to be preserved. Besides, the livelihood of fishermen and farmers is also depended on the river.
The Mahanadi Suraksha Abhiyan covered 15 districts involving 45 assembly constituencies spreading over 1,600 km and concluded at Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district today.
