Bhubaneswar: In what is ebing seen as a fresh round of face off in the ongoing row over Mahanadi between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has urged his Chhattisgarh counterpart Dr. Raman Singh to reopen the gates of Kalma barrage, which have been unilaterally closed by his government.
Kalma is one of the six barrages, which have become a bone of contention between Odisha and Chhattisgarh governments.
“You are requested to instruct the officials of your water resources department to immediately open the gates of Kalma barrage and ensure free flow of water in Mahanadi river,” Patnaik wrote to Raman Singh.
“The report available with my government definitely conveys that your government has gone ahead and closed the gates of Kalma barrage stopping free flow of water,” alleged Naveen.
He further added that the action has affected drinking water supply to people in Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Bargarh and a few other districts.
Naveen also cautioned the Chhattisgarh CM on the “widespread unrest” that may go out of hand if free flow of water on Kalma barrage in Mahanadi River is not restored immediately.
Ms Kalinga