Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has said that the long-pending Mahanadi water dispute with Odisha is likely to be resolved soon through dialogue and mutual consultation. He said there is little scope for the issue to turn into a dispute as both Chhattisgarh and Odisha have BJP governments, while the NDA is in power at the Centre.
The dispute over the sharing and use of Mahanadi waters has been pending before the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal since 2018. Odisha had raised objections in 2016 over the construction of upstream barrages in Chhattisgarh, alleging that these structures were affecting the flow of water into Odisha during the lean season.
In recent months, both states have shown willingness to find an amicable solution through dialogue and technical consultations. As part of the Centre’s efforts, a meeting between Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was held on July 30 under the chairmanship of Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil.
The discussions focused on resolving the long-standing differences between the two states through cooperation and technical assessment. The matter has also been referred to the Central Water Commission for consideration.
CM Sai’s latest statement indicates that both Chhattisgarh and Odisha are seeking a practical and mutually acceptable solution to the Mahanadi water issue, with continued dialogue and technical consultations expected to play a key role.
