New Delhi, Sep 6: The long-standing Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh may finally be heading toward resolution, as both states have expressed willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.

During the latest hearing at the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal, Odisha Advocate General Pitambar Acharya presented the state's position and highlighted ongoing reconciliation efforts.

Acharya informed the tribunal that technical teams from both states are now meeting weekly to discuss unresolved issues and explore viable solutions. He emphasized that the change in government in Odisha has led to renewed efforts for compromise, unlike the previous seven years of stagnation.

The tribunal, chaired by Justice Bela M. Trivedi, praised Odisha’s proactive steps and scheduled the next hearing for October 11, by which time both states are expected to report progress on mutual discussions. Acharya also revealed that the Union Government and the Central Water Commission (CWC) are actively mediating the process.

The tribunal was briefed on recent high-level meetings between the Chief Secretaries of Odisha and Chhattisgarh, as well as correspondence between Chief Ministers Mohan Charan Majhi and Vishnu Deo Sai. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reportedly urged both leaders to resolve the issue through dialogue, while Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil is also monitoring developments.

Acharya stressed that unless the dispute is resolved, no new water projects will receive CWC clearance. He reiterated that political cooperation and technical negotiations are essential to reaching a fair and lasting solution.

The tribunal’s intervention, combined with the states’ positive attitude, has sparked hope that the decades-old dispute may soon be resolved, ensuring equitable water sharing and regional stability.