SAMBALPUR, FEB 4: Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti Wednesday said that the Centre is keen to mitigate the problems of the farmers in the State if the State government cooperated with the Union Government.
She said, after a visit to the Hirakud Dam to review its safety, necessary steps will be taken by the Central government for the maintenance of the Dam after discussion with concerned ministries.
“It had been observed that Odisha share 12% of total rain in the country. Still farmers of the State face crisis and hardship,” she rued.
Uma said with state government support and implementation of rain water harvesting projects, the agriculture scenario can be changed in the State to boost the farm sector and agriculture economy, Bharti said.
Replying to query over the controversial Polavaran issue, the Union Minister said that it’s was a matter involving two states and the Centre will not interfere in the issue.
“If there is any problem regarding the dam project, I feel both the states should sit together and sort out the problems,” she said.
Uma Bharti also termed as “false propaganda” the issue of ‘Intolerance” against the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and urged upon the BJP workers to counter the allegation against the BJP and NDA government.
She said, “The opponents criticised Narendra Modi while he was Chief Minister in Gujarat. But the Muslims in Gujrat are happy now.
She advised the party workers to counter the ‘false propaganda’.
Uma who visited the Hirakud Dam today said she will also discuss with the Chief Minister about the pollution of river Mahanadi.
