Mahanadi Water Dispute: Odisha, Chhattisgarh Move Toward Settlement

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Odisha and Chhattisgarh have agreed to continue technical consultations aimed at an amicable settlement of the Mahanadi water dispute.
The Central Water Commission is facilitating technical discussions between the two states.
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai has expressed confidence that the long-running dispute can be resolved through dialogue and cooperation.

Bhubaneswar: The long-running Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh is moving towards a possible negotiated settlement, with both states continuing discussions through the Central Water Commission (CWC).

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, during his two-day visit to Odisha, said both governments have agreed to accept the outcome of the ongoing process involving the CWC. The development comes after renewed efforts by the two states and the Centre to resolve the inter-state water issue through dialogue.

Mahanadi Water Dispute Enters Fresh Phase

Sai said discussions between the two state governments had already taken place in Delhi, where Odisha and Chhattisgarh presented their respective positions before the CWC.

He also met Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during his Odisha visit.

According to the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, a meeting involving the two Chief Ministers and Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil was held on July 30, 2026, to facilitate an amicable settlement of the dispute. The ministry said both states had reaffirmed their commitment to continue technical consultations.

CWC Leads Technical Consultations

The Centre has been facilitating discussions between the two states through the CWC.

The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti said an expanded Technical Committee, chaired by the CWC Chairman and comprising representatives of Odisha and Chhattisgarh, was constituted to take forward the remaining technical consultations. Its first meeting was held on July 29, 2026.

The ministry also said the Joint Technical Committee had already reached consensus on several technical issues.

What Is the Mahanadi Water Dispute?

The dispute concerns the sharing and management of Mahanadi river waters between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

The disagreement intensified over projects and barrages constructed in the upper reaches of the river in Chhattisgarh. Odisha has raised concerns over the impact of upstream water-use projects on downstream flows, particularly during non-monsoon periods.

The issue eventually entered a formal legal process after Odisha approached the Centre over the inter-state water dispute.

Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal Was Formed in 2018

The Central Government constituted the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) on March 12, 2018, following the Supreme Court’s January 23, 2018 order in a suit filed by Odisha.

The tribunal was established under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, to adjudicate the dispute between the two states.

The latest efforts, however, have focused on dialogue and technical cooperation alongside the existing legal framework.

Odisha and Chhattisgarh Seek Amicable Solution

The two states have now indicated their willingness to pursue negotiations and technical consultations.

The Ministry of Jal Shakti said the July 2026 meeting marked an important step towards resolving the dispute through dialogue, technical cooperation and cooperative federalism.

Both Chief Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the technical consultations in a constructive manner.

Sai Says Differences Can Be Addressed Through Dialogue

Sai characterised the differences between the states as issues that can be addressed through better communication and cooperation.

He expressed confidence that a solution could emerge within the federal framework while protecting the interests of both Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

The two states’ current approach is therefore centred on continued discussions rather than relying solely on the prolonged legal process.

Centre Pushes for Long-Term Mahanadi Framework

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has said the objective is not only to address the present dispute but also to establish a long-term, equitable and sustainable framework for management of the Mahanadi Basin.