By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, June 4, 2017: The Odisha government on Sunday decided to once again draw the attention of the union government and if required move the Supreme Court on the issue of closure of Kalma Barrage gates over Mahanadi River by the Chhattisgarh government.

The Kalma barrage is one of the six barrages unilaterally built by the Chhattisgarh State government across the inter-state river Mahanadi without any reference or regard to the downstream interests of Odisha and its inhabitants.

In downstream areas of Odisha, drinking water supply in Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Bargarh districts and many other districts have been affected due to the closure of the Kalma barrage gates.

Talking to media persons, BJD spokesperson and senior minister in Naveen Patnaik cabinet, SN Patro said, “When any dispute on water sharing arises over a river that flows through two states, the issue gets resolved in democratic setup under inter-state principles by central organisations like the Central Water Commission (CWC). However, if the issue persists, the State would seek the attention of the Centre once again and knock doors of the Supreme Court thereafter.”

Odisha had been crying found after the neighbouring Chhattisgarh stopped water from the Kalma barrage over Mahanadi river to the downstream areas in the State.

However, Chhattisgarh has rejected the allegation of Odisha government. “The water flow at Kalma barrage on Mahanadi has remained as usual. No new gates of the barrage have been closed. Odisha’s allegations on the matter are imaginary and baseless”, said Chhattisgarh Water Resources Minister Brijmohan Agrawal.

Meanwhile, union minister and BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan said, “I would take up the Kalma barrage gates closure matter with the CWC and the Chhattisgarh state government on behalf of the party. People and farmers of Odisha shall not suffer due to water scarcity.”

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday dashed off a letter to Chhattisgarh counterpart Raman Singh urging him to open the gates of Kalma barrage built on Mahanadi river.

“You are requested to instruct the officials of your water resources department to immediately open the gates of Kalma barrage and ensure free flow of water in Mahanadi River,” Patnaik wrote.