Odisha BJP Leader Bijay Mohapatra demands to form ‘River Board’

Senior BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra  on Tuesday sought the formation of a river board immediately  to resolve Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Addressing the media persons, Mohapatra said the proposed joint control board on Mahanadi water would cause a loss to Odisha’s interest. The construction of projects on the river in the neighbouring state should be stopped, he added.

He also stated that the Odisha government must send a formal proposal to the Centre for formation of a River Board as per the provision of the River Boards Act, 1956.

This is the only option before Odisha to secure its rights over Mahanadi water. Along with river board, there should be an integrated rule curve covering both upper catchment and lower reaches of Mahanadi river to ensure Odisha getting its due share of water, said the senior BJP leader.