Odisha, Chhattisgarh CMs Discuss Early Mahanadi Dispute Resolution

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in Bhubaneswar during his two-day visit to the state, with the long-pending Mahanadi water dispute among the key issues discussed.
Sai, who arrived in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, said he was hopeful of an early and amicable resolution to the dispute. He noted that both Odisha and Chhattisgarh now have BJP-led governments and said the political environment could help facilitate a settlement.

The two chief ministers held discussions at Majhi’s official residence on strengthening cooperation between the neighbouring states and addressing issues of mutual interest.
A significant development is the reported consensus of both states to accept the decision of the Central Water Commission (CWC) on the Mahanadi water-sharing matter. Sai said the governments of Odisha and Chhattisgarh have conveyed their consent to the CWC and will abide by its decision.
After the meeting, Majhi described the interaction as fruitful and said both leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation and promote the development and welfare of people in the two states.

The Mahanadi dispute has remained unresolved for several years, with disagreements mainly involving water availability during the non-monsoon period and the construction of upstream barrages in Chhattisgarh.
During his Odisha visit, Sai is also scheduled to offer prayers at the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar and the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.