Water Dispute / Mahanadi Water Dispute: CM Majhi, Sai Reach Kartavya Bhavan For Crucial Meeting With Amit Shah

New Delhi, Oct 1: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai have reached Kartavya Bhavan in New Delhi for a crucial meeting on the long-pending Mahanadi water dispute, a source said on Thursday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is slated to arrive at the venue shortly. Shah will chair the discussions between the two states.

The meeting comes as Odisha and Chhattisgarh seek to resolve the dispute through dialogue and technical consultations. Sai said both states have agreed to accept the decision of the Central Water Commission (CWC) if it is in the interest of the two states.

What Is The Mahanadi Water Dispute?
The Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh has continued for more than a decade. Odisha has objected to barrages and other projects constructed by Chhattisgarh in the upstream areas, saying they affect the flow of water into downstream Odisha, particularly during the lean season.

Odisha approached the Centre in 2016 over the construction of six barrages in Chhattisgarh. The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted in 2018 after Odisha approached the Supreme Court. The matter has since remained under consideration, with the CWC also involved in efforts to facilitate a settlement.

Fresh Push For Resolution
The latest meeting follows talks between the two chief ministers and a meeting facilitated by Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil on July 30. The Centre said the July meeting was aimed at finding an amicable settlement through dialogue, technical cooperation and cooperative federalism.

Also Read: Amit Shah To Chair Key Meeting On October 1 Over Mahanadi Water Dispute

The two chief ministers also met in Bhubaneswar on September 20 and discussed the water-sharing issue. The latest Delhi meeting is expected to focus on equitable sharing of Mahanadi waters and finding a way forward on the long-running dispute.