Bhubaneswar, Aug 30: In a major breakthrough, Odisha and Chhattisgarh have taken a significant step toward resolving the long-standing Mahanadi water-sharing dispute.

A high-level meeting was recently held between the Chief Secretaries and senior Water Resources officials of both states, signalling a renewed commitment to cooperation and dialogue.

The meeting focused on building consensus through sustained discussions and technical collaboration. Both states agreed to work amicably and constructively to address the contentious issues surrounding the Mahanadi river basin, which has been a source of tension for years due to competing demands and upstream water usage.

As part of the roadmap, a series of structured meetings have been scheduled:

September: Technical Committees led by the Engineers-in-Chief (EICs) of both states will meet weekly to identify key concerns and propose actionable solutions.

October: A follow-up meeting at the Chief Secretary level will be held to review progress and refine strategies.

December: A landmark meeting between the Chief Ministers of Odisha and Chhattisgarh is expected to take place to finalize long-term resolutions.

The initiative aims to develop a sustainable and equitable water-sharing framework that prioritizes the interests of citizens in both states. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) of Odisha shared updates on social media platform X, highlighting the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that defined the discussions.

Officials emphasized that the resolution of the Mahanadi dispute is not just a political or legal matter but a vital issue affecting agriculture, livelihoods, and regional harmony. The long-term plan will include institutional mechanisms to ensure transparency, coordination, and accountability in water management.

This renewed momentum offers hope for a peaceful settlement and sets a precedent for resolving inter-state river disputes through dialogue and collaboration.