What Clarity and Accountability Does Naveen Patnaik Seek on the Mahanadi Water Sharing Dispute?

Bhubaneswar, July 24 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, has raised pivotal questions regarding the state government's approach to the Mahanadi river water sharing conflict, stressing the need for transparency and accountability.

The former Chief Minister is demanding prompt and clear responses to his inquiries concerning the dispute.

He highlighted the government's recent decision to pursue a resolution through ‘mutual agreement’ with the adjacent state of Chhattisgarh.

This decision stemmed from a high-level meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday.

Patnaik contended that the state's decision brings forth significant concerns that cannot be overlooked.

“What is this 'mutual agreement' being discussed? Mahanadi is the lifeline of Odisha. The state government must promptly convene an all-party meeting to clarify the type of compromise being proposed or has already been established with the BJP administration in Chhattisgarh,” emphasized Patnaik.

“Is Odisha withdrawing from the legal route? Will the state persist with the case before the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal? Or is the government preparing to forsake the legal battle?” the BJD leader further questioned.

He criticized the government’s silence as only eight days remain until the next Tribunal hearing scheduled for August 2.

“Why hasn’t the government engaged stakeholders, political parties, and the public? Is the State BJP Government secretly negotiating a settlement with another BJP government, potentially compromising Odisha’s water rights? Mahanadi is not merely a river; it embodies the essence of our state. Full transparency and accountability are essential,” remarked Patnaik.

He recounted that during the hearing of the then BJD government’s petition under the ISRWD Act, 1956, on January 23, 2018, the Supreme Court directed the Central government to form the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal.

Patnaik mentioned that the BJD's persistent efforts and robust public pressure ultimately led the Union Cabinet to approve the Tribunal's formation.

On March 12, 2018, the Central government officially established the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal, based in New Delhi, to comply with the Supreme Court’s directive.

“However, there is growing apprehension that the legal struggle— painstakingly pursued—is being subtly weakened. The government has not clarified what type of 'mutual compromise' it is currently considering, nor has it involved the public. Has the legal pathway been abandoned? Is Odisha’s rightful claim to Mahanadi water being diluted behind closed doors?” queried Patnaik.