Odisha, Chhattisgarh Aim for Amicable Resolution of Mahanadi Water Dispute

quick Summary

• Odisha and Chhattisgarh have expressed willingness to resolve their prolonged dispute over sharing Mahanadi river water amicably without relying solely on the Mahanadi Water Disputes tribunal (MWDT).
• The MWDT, chaired by Justice Bela M. Trivedi, has scheduled the next hearing for September 6, 2025, allowing time for bilateral settlement.
• Secretaries from both States have been directed to appear before the tribunal at the next hearing to report settlement progress.
• Odisha CM Mohan Majhi proposed a joint committee under guidance of Union Ministry of Jal Shakti and Central water Commission (CWC) to facilitate technical negotiations toward a resolution. Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai acknowledged this proposal as “under consideration.”
• The Mahanadi river originates in Chhattisgarh and flows primarily through Odisha before reaching the Bay of Bengal. Concerns stem from upstream constructions in chhattisgarh, such as anicuts and barrages, which Odisha claims reduce water flow affecting irrigation, drinking water supply, and ecological balance in coastal areas.
• There is no formal inter-State agreement on sharing Mahanadi waters. Chhattisgarh cites its control over most of the river’s catchment area as justification for its usage priorities.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The mutual discussion between Odisha and chhattisgarh signals a positive step towards resolving a longstanding river-sharing dispute that has impacted infrastructure advancement, agriculture sustainability, drinking water availability, and ecological health along the Mahanadi’s basin. By involving technical experts through a CWC-led committee framework proposed by Odisha’s Chief Minister-if agreed upon-this approach could introduce greater transparency into negotiations while fostering trust between States.However, challenges remain due to past tensions regarding upstream projects built unilaterally by Chhattisgarh without consulting Odisha or drafting cooperative agreements over shared resources. Balancing industrial demands with equitable distribution will require carefully crafted terms harnessing domestic legal frameworks like those under India’s Inter-State River Water Disputes Act alongside coordinated federal oversight.

Nonetheless of tribunal outcomes or bilateral settlements reached independently before September hearings-a collaborative mechanism ensuring long-term equity can pave way beyond temporary resolutions for inter-State river disputes nationwide.

Read More: Source