MBA Protesters Detained Near CM Residence Over Mahanadi Data Dispute

Bhubaneswar: Members of the Mahanadi Bachhao Andolan (MBA) were detained by police on Thursday while staging a protest near the Chief Minister’s residence in Bhubaneswar over the alleged submission of incorrect yield data related to the Mahanadi basin before the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal.

The protesters had gathered demanding an appointment with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to apprise him of what they described as misleading data submitted before the Tribunal during proceedings held on May 2.

According to MBA leaders, the data presented regarding water availability in the Mahanadi basin could weaken Odisha’s stand in the long-standing water-sharing dispute with neighbouring Chhattisgarh. They alleged that the figures submitted before the Tribunal contradict the state’s earlier claims regarding reduced water flow into Odisha due to upstream projects in Chhattisgarh.

The agitators attempted to march towards the CM residence seeking immediate intervention from the Chief Minister. However, police personnel prevented them from proceeding further and later detained several members of the organisation before shifting them to a nearby police station.

MBA leaders claimed that the disputed figures create an impression that Odisha has surplus water in the basin, which could adversely affect the state’s interests during the Tribunal proceedings.

The organisation has been actively raising concerns over the Mahanadi river dispute and has repeatedly accused both the Centre and state authorities of failing to protect Odisha’s rightful share of river water.

The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal has been hearing arguments from both Odisha and Chhattisgarh over issues related to water sharing, construction of barrages, and river flow management in the basin.