Odisha, Chhattisgarh Hold High-Level Talks on Mahanadi Water Dispute

Bhubaneswar: Odisha and Chhattisgarh governments on Saturday held high-level talks in Bhubaneswar to resolve the long-standing Mahanadi water dispute. The Chief Secretaries of both states, along with senior Water Resources officials, participated in the deliberations.

Both states agreed to work “sincerely and amicably” towards a mutually acceptable resolution through dialogue and cooperation.

It was decided that Technical Committees headed by the Engineers-in-Chief (EICs) of both states will meet weekly throughout September to identify and resolve critical issues. The committees will also explore the creation of an institutional framework for stronger coordination on Mahanadi water sharing.

A review meeting at the level of Chief Secretaries, with participation from Water Resources Secretaries of both states, will be held in October to assess progress and push discussions forward.

The process may culminate in a meeting between Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai by December, subject to their convenience, to chart out an amicable, long-term resolution.

It may be recalled that both Chief Ministers had earlier agreed in March this year, during a meeting in Bhubaneswar, to pursue dialogue and cooperation for settling the water-sharing dispute.