Odisha, Chhattisgarh asked to share info on Mahanadi projects

New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) The Water Resources Ministry held a meeting with the Odisha and Chhattisgarh governments here on Friday, asking them to share information on projects on Mahanadi river with each other.

At the meeting, the Odisha Chief Secretary pointed out that since the Mahanadi river is the lifeline of his state, it is important that the two riparian states are fully aware of the water resources projects that are taken up or planned by either.

He gave the instances of few water resources projects taken up by the Chhattisgarh government where the Detail Project Reports (DPRs) were not shared with Odisha.

Odisha pointed out that due to the ongoing Arpa-Bhaisajhar project in Chhattisgarh, availability of water in the Hirakud Dam, Odisha, during the non-monsoon period was not significant.

Resolving the dispute, the ministry decided that the Central Water Commission (CWC) would from ensure that the DPRs for the projects in the Mahanadi basin are duly shared with the other riparian state and they were given 45 days time to convey their views and comments on the projects.