Water Dispute / Mahanadi Dispute: 'Odisha, Chhattisgarh Closer To Resolution', Says CM Majhi After Meeting With Amit Shah

New Delhi, Oct 1: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday said Odisha and Chhattisgarh have moved closer to resolving the long-pending Mahanadi water dispute following a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.

The meeting was held at Kartavya Bhavan and began around 5 pm. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil were also present.

Speaking after the meeting, the Odisha CM said discussions between the two states were held in a cordial atmosphere and that considerable progress had been made at both the legal and administrative levels.

"The two states have moved closer to a solution. A roadmap for resolving the dispute will be finalised very soon," Majhi said.

He added that the two states had taken three months' time during the meeting held in July to work towards a solution. Two months have now passed, he said, adding that he remained hopeful of a resolution.

Majhi also said several suggestions were made during Thursday's meeting under Shah's chairmanship.

What Is The Mahanadi Water Dispute?
The Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh has continued for more than a decade. Odisha has raised concerns over upstream projects in Chhattisgarh and their impact on downstream water flow, particularly during the non-monsoon period.

The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted in 2018 after Odisha approached the Supreme Court. Technical discussions between the two states have continued with the involvement of the Central Water Commission (CWC).

Also Read: Mahanadi Water Dispute: On September 28, Will Odisha’s Long-Running River Row Go the Sone-Kishau Way?

Fresh Push For Settlement
The latest meeting follows a July 30 meeting between the two chief ministers chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil. The Centre has been facilitating discussions aimed at an amicable settlement through dialogue and technical cooperation.

Majhi and Sai also held discussions in Bhubaneswar on September 20. Sai had subsequently expressed confidence that the dispute could be resolved soon.

The latest talks in Delhi are part of the ongoing efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Mahanadi water-sharing issue.