BHUBANESWAR: The uncertainty over the next tripartite meeting on the contentious Mahanadi water sharing issue between Odisha and Chhattisgarh came to an end today with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik proposing the Centre to convene the meeting on September 17.
The Chief Minister gave his consent for the meeting to Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti who had promised to find a solution to the disputes while protecting the interest of Odisha.
A meeting a delegation from the state led by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi on August 24, the Union Water Resources Minister had said that she will hold a meeting with the Chief Ministers of Odisha and Chhattisgarh on a mutually convenient date between September 10 and 20, 2016 to ensure that no injustice is done to Odisha.
However, the Ministry's letter requesting the Chief Minister for giving a suitable date reached the state government on Friday.
The Chief Minister will chair a high level meeting here on September 12 to discuss the matter in detail and the decide the issues to be raised in the tripartite meeting in Delhi.
Sources in the Water Resources department said that the state government has given a reminder to Chhattisgarh government to provide all information about the number of dams and barrages already constructed and those under construction by September 17.
Besides, the neighbouring state has been asked to enlighten the state on the quantum of water to be shared with Odisha during non-monsoon season. The Chhattisgarh government is yet to submit full information sought by the Odisha government, BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb said.
He said the state government has requested the Chhattisgarh government to provide information on ten points, but it has provided information on seven points. The ruling party delegation which had visited Chhattisgarh for an on the spot study and to assess the likely impact of the dams and barrages on river system in Odisha is yet to submit its report to the Chief Minister due to lack of information.