Odisha CM says Mahanadi river dispute will be resolved soon

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Thursday that the Mahanadi water distribution issue between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, with technical support from the Central Water Commission, is "moving closer to a solution." Mr. Majhi made the statement after attending a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and attended by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil.

Following a meeting chaired by Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil in New Delhi on July 30, 2026, officials had indicated the issue would be resolved within three months. Mr. Majhi said that two months have now elapsed and the resolution remains on track. He noted that discussions were positive and cordial, attended by the Union Jal Shakti Minister and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bishnu Deo Sai. Beyond political-level meetings, the Odisha CM stated that several meetings have also been held among Chief Secretaries, Water Resources Secretaries, and engineers of both states. Both governments have submitted proposals and documents as requested, with all necessary steps being taken to work out a solution keeping the interests of both states in view.

Mr. Majhi attributed the acceleration of the resolution process to the "double-engine government of BJP" now in power in both states, stating that legal, administrative, and political efforts have been undertaken alongside each other. He expressed hope that a final framework for resolving the issue would emerge very soon.