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Mahanadi Water Dispute Expected to Be Resolved Within Three Months, Says Odisha CM

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has stated that the decades-long Mahanadi river water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh is expected to be resolved within three months. Speaking after a high-level meeting in New Delhi, the Chief Minister indicated that constructive dialogue between both states and the Centre has paved the way for a mutually agreed solution by Diwali.

What Happened

A crucial meeting was convened in New Delhi by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, following Chhattisgarh’s consent to seek a mutual resolution to the dispute. The meeting was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bishnu Deo Sai, and senior officials from both states as well as the Central government. During the discussions, Chief Minister Majhi presented Odisha’s position, focusing on the state’s rightful water share, the welfare of local farmers, and the preservation of natural water resources. He reported that both state leaderships agreed to work toward a negotiated, permanent settlement.

Key Highlights

  • Three-Month Timeline: Chief Minister Majhi expressed optimism that issues surrounding the distribution, management, and preservation of Mahanadi waters will be settled by Diwali.
  • Follow-Up Discussions: Senior officials from the Central Water Commission and both state governments are scheduled to hold follow-up meetings over the next three months to maintain progress.
  • River Details: The Mahanadi River spans 851 kilometres, originating in the Amarkantak hills of Chhattisgarh and flowing 494 kilometres through Odisha before draining into the Bay of Bengal.
  • Infrastructure Impact: The report notes that Chhattisgarh built over 500 anicuts and 30 barrages along the river, leading to reduced water availability downstream in Odisha.
  • Lack of Formal Agreement: Despite the river supporting extensive ecosystems and agricultural livelihoods in both states, no formal water-sharing accord has ever been executed.
  • Legal Background: Odisha approached the Supreme Court in 2018, leading to the establishment of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT). In 2024, with the Bharatiya Janata Party holding power in both states, both governments notified the tribunal of their shared intention to resolve the matter amicably.

Why This Matters

The absence of an official water-sharing treaty between Odisha and Chhattisgarh has led to recurring downstream water scarcity in Odisha, directly impacting agricultural stability and regional ecology. With Chhattisgarh’s construction of extensive barrages and anicuts upstream, formal negotiation became essential to establish clear guidelines for water distribution and resource management. The decision by both state governments to engage in direct, structured talks aims to secure long-term water rights without relying solely on tribunal-mandated directives.

What to Watch Next

Over the next three months, senior representatives from the Central Water Commission alongside administrative officials from Odisha and Chhattisgarh will conduct detailed technical and administrative sessions. These follow-up discussions aim to finalize a concrete proposal for water distribution, management, and preservation ahead of the target deadline around Diwali.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Mahanadi water dispute begin?

The dispute primarily stems from the absence of a formal water-sharing agreement between Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Downstream water availability in Odisha dropped significantly after Chhattisgarh constructed more than 500 anicuts and 30 barrages along the river upstream.

What is the status of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT)?

The MWDT was formed after Odisha approached the Supreme Court in 2018. In April, the tribunal warned it might impose its own resolution formula if neither state submitted a joint settlement plan. However, both state governments informed the tribunal in 2024 of their shared decision to settle the matter through mutual negotiations.

When is the dispute expected to be officially settled?

According to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, structured follow-up meetings scheduled over the next three months are targeted to achieve a formal resolution by Diwali.

Source: Based on official statements reported by The Hindu.