Odisha asks Chhattisgarh not to start Mohmela Sirpur barrage on Mahanadi

KalingaTV News Network

Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha on Friday asked the Chhattisgarh Government to stop any work or activities relating to the commissioning of the Mohmela Sirpur barrage project on river Mahanadi.

In a letter to his counterpart in Chhattisgarh, Water Resources Secretary Pradip Jena said, “Your Department has invited bids for construction of Mohmela Sirpur barrage and all appurtenant works including operation and maintenance for 2 years on Mahanadi river in Arang Taluka of Raipur district.”

“Moreover, it is pertinent to mention that honourable National Green Tribunal, eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata in its order dated 26-07-2017 had categorically asked the state of Chhattisgarh not to proceed with the execution activities of dams and barrages which have not yet been taken up,” he added.

“Since the entire matter is in seisin by us, we expect the State of Chhatisgarh not to proceed with those projects which have not yet been taken up for execution,” the Water Resources Secretary urged to his counterpart.

In line with the Supreme Court’s order in January, the Union Government has recently notified the setting up of a Tribunal to resolve the dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the sharing of the waters of the Mahanadi river.