Bhubaneswar, June 28: The Orissa government today confirmed that at least 45 companies had been allowed to draw water from rivers, seeking to balance the demand for industry and that of farmers who fear their source of irrigation might dry up. The state government has so far signed memoranda of understanding with 86 companies, of which 45 have been given the right to draw water. Many of the companies deal in power generation, for which water is essential. Among the companies are CESC, Vedanta and Sterlite Energy, which have been allowed to take out water from rivers such as the Brahamni and Mahanadi and the Hirakud reservoir. Some small and medium-scale industries are also drawing water from rivers and rivulets without informing the government. However, the BJD government has maintained there is no scarcity of water.