Jharsuguda: May 16: Mahanadi Surakshya Yatra began today from Sukhasoda in Jharsuguda district, the place where the Mahanadi River’s course in the state begins. BJD Supremo and Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik flagged off the Surakshya Yatra and addressed the gathering at Sukhasoda.
BJD Supremo alleged, ‘Several BJP leaders of Odisha have been supporting Chhattisgarh on Mahanadi issue and only shedding crocodile tears. If they are concerned about the state and its people, they should come forward to oppose Chattisgarh Government’.
He said, ‘Mahanadi tribunal has been constituted as the BJD government moved to the Supreme Court’.
Expressing his concern further, he said, ‘Mahanadi is drying in Odisha due to construction of barrages by Chhattisgarh and the water-level of Hirakud Dam is decreasing. Also,due to shortage of water, Rabi crop cultivation in the state will be suffered as well as the fishermen will face losses’.
Patnaik said, ‘We shall not let Mahanadi to dry. This fight is not only for BJD, but also of the people of the state. This fight for Mahanadi is for our future generation.’
Later, the Chief Minister went to Chikhili in Bargarh district on the other side of Mahanadi to attend the launch programme of Mahanadi Surakhya Yatra. This second phase of campaign is scheduled to cover a distance of 1585 kms through 15 districts and 45 constituencies and finally, will culminate at Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district.
BJD will organise Public Meetings, Rallies and other ways of campaigns during the Yatra to sharpen public opinion in Odisha against the conspiracy of the BJP government at Chhattisgarh and center on Mahanadi issue.
