By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, September 25, 2016 : Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday lambasted the Bharatiya Janata Party led National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre and its predecessor – the Congress led United Progressive Alliance government, saying they acted against the interests of the state by favouring Chhattisgarh in Mahanadi water sharing issue and Andhra Pradesh in construction of Polavaram multi-purpose dam issue.

Replying to a debate in the Assembly on the Mahanadi water issue, Mr Patnaik said the present NDA government was “clueless” in solving the Mahanadi water dispute and acted to facilitate the interests of Chhattisgarh instead of addressing the concerns raised by Odisha.

“On September 17, union water resources minister Uma Bharti Uma Bharti invited Chhattisgarh chief minister and me for discussion of Mahanadi issue. I put forth the demand to stop construction by Chhattisgarh government on Mahanadi. Unfortunately, the Chhattisgarh CM did not agree. Also, the Uma Bharti did not support the issue,” Patnaik told the House.

He asserted, “The present NDA Sarkar (sic) for obvious political reasons is blatantly taking sides with the BJP led Chhattisgarh government. These narrow political considerations in this sensitive inter-state issue jeopardize the interests of Odisha.”

Patnaik further informed the House that the state government two days ago received a letter from the union water resources ministry about the constitution of an expert committee to look into the Mahanadi issue. However, the NDA government did not instruct Chhattisgarh to stop construction of dams in that state, the CM said adding that his government rejected the Centre’s proposal.

Stating that Mahanadi is the lifeline of Odisha, the CM said 65 per cent of the state’s population depends on the river for drinking water, irrigation, power generation and fisheries. “With construction of barrages by Chhattisgarh government, the fragile eco-system such as Satkosia, Bhitarkanika and Chilka Lake will be serious jeopardized,” he said, adding, his government would leave no stone unturned to protect the interests of the state.

Patnaik did not discuss in details on Polavaram issue. He was referring to various statutory clearances given to the project by the NDA and UPA governments.