The Mahanadi water dispute between Chhattisgarh and Odisha received renewed attention as Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presented their states’ positions at a meeting led by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on October 1. The meeting, held at Kartavya Bhawan, included key figures such as Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, the Chairman of the Central Water Commission, and senior officials from both state governments.

This gathering is part of ongoing discussions initiated in July, when both Chief Ministers met under the chairmanship of the Jal Shakti Minister. During that meeting, it was agreed to pursue technical-level conversations with the intention of resolving the dispute in a manner acceptable to both sides.

During the recent meeting, Chief Minister Sai articulated Chhattisgarh’s stance, emphasising the importance of the Mahanadi as a unifying rather than divisive resource for both states. He advocated for a resolution based on fairness and long-term sustainability, honouring the needs of farmers and communities in both regions.

Commitment to Mutual Interests

Sai declared that Chhattisgarh’s farmers and irrigation needs must be acknowledged in any resolution, noting that more than half of the Mahanadi’s catchment area lies within his state. He also asserted Chhattisgarh’s commitment to respecting Odisha’s interests, highlighting the significance of the Hirakud Dam for Odisha’s water needs. Sai promised cooperation to ensure its effective operation.

Appreciating Amit Shah’s initiative, Sai drew parallels with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s legacy in fostering national integration. He asserted that the principles of dialogue and consensus should be applied to address long-standing interstate disputes, including those related to river waters. The Chief Minister noted that resolving disputes is essential for nurturing cooperation and unity among states.

Citing recent achievements in addressing various interstate water issues, including those involving Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Jharkhand, Sai expressed optimism that political will and sustained dialogue could lead to effective resolutions, including for the Mahanadi conflict. He reinforced the need for collaborative efforts similar to those that successfully tackled challenges in Bastar.

Ongoing Engagement and Future Steps

The dispute over Mahanadi water-sharing has been pending before the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal since 2018. The Centre has been emphasising the need for an equitable resolution, encouraging discussions and technical cooperation among the parties involved. Following the meeting in July, a technical committee has been established to explore outstanding issues.

Additional discussions have recently taken place, including a significant meeting between Sai and Majhi in Bhubaneswar on September 20, where both states expressed optimism about reaching an agreement through continued dialogue.

Among those present at the recent meeting were Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, and Water Resources Department Secretary Rajesh Sukumar Toppo. Their involvement underlined the collaborative nature of the effort to resolve the dispute.

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