Odisha and Chhattisgarh dispute over Mahanadi returns to focus
The Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh has returned to prominence, with both BJP-ruled states signalling they are moving closer to an "amicable solution." Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who attended a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Thursday alongside Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai and Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, said a framework for resolving the dispute would be released "very soon."
Majhi stated that the two states are "gradually moving closer to a resolution" through legal, administrative, and political pathways while keeping both states' interests in mind. The latest round of talks began in July-August 2025, with multiple meetings between officials at various levels, including chief secretaries and water resources secretaries, to discuss technical aspects. A previous meeting between the CMs in July under the Union Jal Shakti Minister's chairmanship resulted in an agreement to share data on water requirements with the Central Water Commission. Majhi noted that a three-month timeline for finding a resolution was provisionally set, and "satisfactory progress" has been made in the two months since.
Chhattisgarh CM Sai emphasised the cooperative approach, describing the Mahanadi as a "life-giving river" intrinsically linked to both states' agriculture and culture, and expressed commitment to strengthening irrigation systems through improved water management. The dispute remains pending before the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal even as these resolution efforts continue.
