Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has directed his administration to unequivocally oppose any projects that jeopardize Odisha’s interests, threaten the livelihood of its residents, or harm the state’s environment. This directive was issued during a comprehensive review of inter-state irrigation projects held at Lok Seva Bhawan.
“The interest of the people of Odisha is foremost for our government,” stated Chief Minister Majhi. The meeting focused on several key inter-state projects, including those on the Mahanadi, Vamsadhara, and Polavaram rivers, which have been a source of concern for the state.
Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department, Anu Garg, provided detailed information about these projects to the Chief Minister during the review. The discussions aimed to assess the impact of these projects on Odisha and devise strategies to protect the state’s interests.
The Mahanadi river dispute, a longstanding issue between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, was a primary focus. Odisha has raised concerns about upstream activities affecting water flow and availability for the state’s agriculture and drinking water needs. Similarly, the Vamsadhara and Polavaram projects have been contentious due to potential adverse effects on Odisha’s environment and the displacement of local communities.
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized the need for a robust opposition to any projects that compromise Odisha’s environmental and economic well-being. He reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of the people of Odisha, ensuring that development activities do not come at the cost of the state’s ecological balance and livelihood security.