RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh water resources department was “filled with shock” finding the state’s share of water (agreed with neighbouring Odisha) from Indravati river in Bastar was being “obstructed” to change the flow of water into the state.
Chhattisgarh had written to the Central Water Commission and the Odisha government registering its grievance that the flow of water towards Chhattisgarh was being obstructed at the hydraulic control structures built for the inter-state water distribution on Indravati river in Bastar.
In the letters, accessed by the New Indian Express, the Secretary (water resource department) Sonmoni Borah sought an immediate installation of gauging devices at suitable locations by the Central Water Commission to ensure equal distribution of water as per the agreement between the two states.
Borah cited that the control structures constructed on river Indravati and Jauranalla (in village Sutepadar of Odisha) were inspected by the Bastar collector and executive engineer (water resource department) on March 19 and they found “attempts were made by local farmers of Odisha to obstruct the opening of the control structure to change the direction of flow of water to Chhattisgarh."
Both Chhattisgarh and Odisha had signed an agreement in December 2003 on equitable (50:50) water share during the post-monsoon period (November to June) at bifurcation point of Jauranalla. “During inspection 3.37 cubic metre/second of water was flowing towards Chhattisgarh while 4.06 cubic metre/second going to Odisha state”, the letter stated.
Borah sought the intervention of the Central Water Commission to monitor the situation. “Immediate steps for installation of gauging devices at the control structures on Indravati River and Jauranalla to ensure agreed water share for Chhattisgarh”, the Chhattisgarh secretary wrote to the Commission.
The principal secretary (department of water resources) Odisha government was also asked for issuing a directive to the local administration and officers of the department to monitor and prevent the local people from indulging in unfair means in diverting the flow of water at the control structure on Indravati river.