Chhattisgarh Continues To Block Mahanadi

Sundergarh: Neighbouring Chhattisgarh has continued to block Mahanadi water to Odisha through the Kalma barrage severely affecting the water flow into the Hirakud reservoir. According to sources, over the past one and a half month, out of the 67 gates of the barrage, water is being released through one gate only in a bid to stock water at the upper catchment of the barrage.
Sources reported that by blocking of water at the gates of the barrage has noticeably reduced the water flow in the lower catchment of the barrage and into the Hirakud reservoir in Odisha.
Locals from Bargaon village near the barrage have alleged that they are not getting enough water for farming and the fishermen’s livelihood is also in danger.
“Most of the water is being used by industries. We get no water to sustain our livelihood,” said a local fisherman.
The ruling-BJD in Odisha has come down heavily on the Centre and the Chhattisgarh government for such blocking of Mahanadi water. Moreover, the State government has also raised questions before both the governments on such tactics.