Defending its decision to supply water to industries from the river Mahanadi and Hirakud reservoir, Orissa government today claimed that a huge volume of water flowed down to sea due to non-utilisation.

"67 per cent of Mahanadi water flowed down to sea as there is no user," Industries Minister Raghunath Mohanty told the state assembly rejecting opposition claim that there was insufficient water in the river.

"Only 14 per cent of Mahanadi water is used in monsoon season, while 34 per cent of it are available for use during non-monsoon period," he said while replying a calling attention motion moved by ruling BJD members on 'dispute over Mahanadi water.'

Mohanty's statement was significant as different opposition political parties and mass organisations have launched a campaign against the state government's decision to supply water to industries "depriving farmers".

"While farmers are unable to get water for irrigation, it is wrong to allow industries to draw water from river Mahanadi," senior BJP leader Bijay Mohapatra said adding 'Mahanadi Bacho Andolan' had been launched to save the river which was the lifeline for crores of people.