Bhubaneswar-The long-standing Mahanadi water-sharing dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh appears to be heading toward a potential breakthrough, with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai responding positively to Odisha’s appeal for a peaceful resolution. In a recent communication, he acknowledged the proposal sent by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on July 25 and confirmed that his government is seriously reviewing the matter.
The response comes at a time when political and administrative channels between the two states have become more active in search of a mutually agreeable solution. Odisha has long raised concerns that upstream water projects in Chhattisgarh are obstructing the natural flow of the Mahanadi river, especially during non-monsoon months, leading to agricultural distress and livelihood challenges in its downstream regions.
The Mahanadi water dispute, simmering for years, intensified in 2016 when Odisha approached the Supreme Court, demanding the formation of a tribunal under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956. This led to the establishment of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal in March 2018, initially chaired by Justice A M Khanwilkar. While tribunal proceedings spanned data submissions and inspections, progress remained sluggish until December 2024, when Justice Bela M Trivedi took over as the new chairperson, reviving interest in the matter.
Amidst this legal backdrop, both states have recently shown signs of political will to resolve the issue outside the courtroom. Odisha’s initiative to initiate bilateral talks has been received with openness by Chhattisgarh, marking a shift from earlier confrontational stances. Advocate General Pitambar Acharya informed that discussions are advancing at both political and bureaucratic levels, even as the tribunal’s next hearing is now scheduled for September 6.
While Odisha continues to express ecological and livelihood concerns due to reduced water flow, Chhattisgarh maintains that it is entitled to use river water within its territory. The current atmosphere of dialogue and mutual engagement, however, suggests a shared interest in avoiding prolonged legal battles and finding a practical resolution that respects the rights and needs of both states.
