A massive controversy erupted in Odisha over Chhattisgarh’s release of Mahanadi water into lower catchment of the river system. Water experts and political leaders accused the neighbouring State of attempting to mislead the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal led by Supreme Court Justice A.M. Khanwilkar.
According to Water Resource Department of Odisha, Chhattisgarh has opened 20 gates at Kalma Barrage through which 1,000-1,500 cusecs of water is flowing into Mahanadi in Jharsuguda district – a rarity as Chhattisgarh hardly releases water during non-monsoon season.
Bhakta Ranjan Mohanty, Engineer-in-chief (water resource), said gates were opened keeping the scheduled visit of Justice Khanwilkar this week. He would take stock of water availability in command areas of Mahanadi in Odisha.