Bhubaneswar: Union Minister for Jal Shakti, CR Patil, has assured that the long-standing Mahanadi water-sharing dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh will be resolved soon.
During his visit to Odisha, the Minister participated in the ‘Ek Ped, Maa Ke Naam’ program, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation and the Swachh Bharat mission.
Addressing the media, Minister Patil stated, “The tribunal is leaving no stone unturned to resolve the matter as soon as possible. We are committed to finding a fair and equitable solution that benefits both states.”
The Mahanadi River, a crucial water source for both Odisha and Chhattisgarh, has been at the center of a prolonged dispute. Odisha has raised concerns over the construction of industrial barrages by Chhattisgarh, which allegedly reduce water flow during the non-monsoon period. Despite several attempts, an inter-state agreement has yet to be reached.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of tree planting and cleanliness drives, aligning with the vision of Mahatma Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat mission. “We have organized over 10 lakh programs in rural areas to promote cleanliness and environmental conservation,” he added.