Chhattisgarh and Odisha progressed discussions on the Mahanadi water sharing, emphasising a fair, scientific, and long-term solution to protect farmers, citizens, and future generations. The Centre-led dialogue, supported by the Central Water Commission, aims to balance needs of both states while safeguarding the river’s shared heritage and regional development.
India
-Oneindia Staff
New Delhi, October 1: A significant step towards resolving the long-pending Mahanadi water dispute between Chhattisgarh and Odisha was taken on Thursday at a high-level meeting held in New Delhi. The meeting, chaired by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who presented their respective states’ positions on the issue.
Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, the Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC), chief secretaries of both states, and senior officials from the concerned departments were also present. Speaking after the meeting, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the Mahanadi is a shared resource of both states and any resolution should safeguard the interests of Chhattisgarh as well as Odisha. He emphasized that the state government supports a fair, scientific, transparent, and long-term solution that protects the interests of farmers, citizens, and future generations.
Chhattisgarh and Odisha progressed discussions on the Mahanadi water sharing, emphasising a fair, scientific, and long-term solution to protect farmers, citizens, and future generations. The Centre-led dialogue, supported by the Central Water Commission, aims to balance needs of both states while safeguarding the river’s shared heritage and regional development.
Sai noted that the Mahanadi originates in Chhattisgarh and a major portion of its catchment area lies within the state. Therefore, the needs of Chhattisgarh’s farmers, irrigation projects, and tribal regions must be adequately considered in the resolution process. At the same time, he reaffirmed Chhattisgarh’s commitment to respecting Odisha’s concerns and supporting the smooth functioning of the Hirakud Dam.
He said the Mahanadi should serve as a symbol of cooperation, development, and mutual trust rather than becoming a source of conflict. Expressing confidence in the ongoing efforts, Sai said a solution could emerge through the Centre’s initiative, continuous dialogue between the two states, and scientific assessments conducted by the Central Water Commission.
The Chief Minister also appreciated Amit Shah’s efforts to facilitate discussions between the states, saying that resolving long-standing disputes through dialogue and consensus strengthens the spirit of cooperative federalism. He added that settling inter-state water disputes is not merely an administrative exercise but also an opportunity to build trust and partnership between states.
Sai said recent progress on various inter-state resource-sharing issues demonstrates that even complex and long-pending disputes can be addressed through constructive engagement and political will.
Referring to the anti-Naxal campaign in Bastar, he said that the same determination and commitment that helped bring positive changes in the region could also contribute to finding a lasting solution to the Mahanadi dispute. According to him, long-standing challenges can be overcome through a positive approach and collective efforts.
Speaking about Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Sai said Chhattisgarh and Odisha share deep social, cultural, and historical ties. He noted that the traditions associated with Lord Jagannath and centuries-old people-to-people connections reflect the strong bond between the two neighbouring states.
The Chief Minister reiterated his confidence in the technical and scientific assessment being carried out by the Central Water Commission. He said Chhattisgarh would fully cooperate in implementing any balanced and practical solution that emerges through consultations between the two states.
The Mahanadi water-sharing dispute has been pending before the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal since 2018. In recent months, political and technical engagements between Chhattisgarh and Odisha have intensified. During a meeting held in Bhubaneswar last month, both Chief Ministers had also expressed their commitment to resolving the issue through dialogue.
The Chhattisgarh delegation at Thursday’s meeting included Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, Water Resources Department Secretary Rajesh Sukumar Toppo, and other senior officials.
