Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to address the decades-old Mahanadi water dispute, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today chaired a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, reiterating the state’s commitment to a peaceful and collaborative solution with neighbouring Chhattisgarh.
A Push for Dialogue Over Delay
The meeting, attended by senior officials from the Odisha Water Resources Department, focused on forging an amicable solution with the support of the Central Government and the Central Water Commission (CWC).
CM Majhi expressed concern over the slow progress in resolving the issue via central mechanisms and advocated for direct bilateral discussions.
“With the cooperation of the Centre and technical support from the CWC, we can resolve this issue through dialogue, fostering better relations between the two states,” the Chief Minister stated.
Dispute Rooted in Upstream Water Projects
At the heart of the dispute is Odisha’s objection to Chhattisgarh’s upstream projects, which allegedly restrict Mahanadi river flow into Odisha, affecting agriculture, ecology, and livelihoods downstream.
Although previous talks — including during the All-India Water Resources Ministers’ Conference in Rajasthan (Feb 2025) and World Water Day in Bhubaneswar (March 2025) — signalled progress, a conclusive settlement has yet to be reached.
The meeting noted ongoing discussions between top officials from both states on technical and administrative fronts. Odisha’s Advocate General Pitambar Acharya, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Water Resources Commissioner Anu Garg, and Principal Secretary Sashwat Mishra were among those in attendance.
The state remains optimistic that sustained engagement will deliver a fair and sustainable resolution to the water-sharing impasse.
As both states continue efforts to build consensus, the Mahanadi water dispute has become a focal point in advancing interstate cooperation on critical natural resources. A breakthrough could pave the way for a landmark model in dispute resolution and equitable water distribution.
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