Don’t notify River regulation zones: Odisha CM to Centre

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik urged the Centre to have a thorough deliberation with the states before implementation of any draft on River Regulation Zone. Odisha Government opposed the proposed notification of river conservation zones.

As per the draft, essential development activities like repair and maintenance of roads, bridges, removal of sand from river, withdrawal of groundwater, construction of residential/ institutional/commercial buildings for schools, dispensaries, recreational facilities etc are proposed to be governed under the new notification.

Chief minister said that the responsibilities and powers of the Centre and the State in the Union List and State List have been described in a federal structure. According to that, water resources is a state subject. He requested the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the MoEF & CC to do discussion.