BJD Raises Alarm Over Mahanadi Water Dispute Talks Between Odisha and Chhattisgarh

A fresh twist has emerged in the ongoing Mahanadi River water-sharing dispute as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) expressed serious concerns over the Odisha government’s approach to a potential out-of-court settlement with Chhattisgarh. The party has questioned the transparency and intention behind the latest developments in the inter-state water row.

BJD Questions CM Majhi’s Correspondence with Chhattisgarh

At a press conference held on August 1, following a meeting of the Save Mahanadi Movement (Mahanadi Banchao Andolan), BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra questioned whether Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is being forthright in his ongoing communications with Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai.

Mishra referred specifically to a July 25 letter sent by CM Majhi, raising doubts over the basis of the proposed compromise. “What are the terms of this friendly settlement? What arguments has Odisha presented, and how do they protect our interests?” Mishra asked, noting that Chhattisgarh has not yet publicly acknowledged any agreement.

Tribunal Still in Process, Why the Rush? Asks BJD

Mishra questioned the urgency behind Odisha’s move for a bilateral solution while the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal, constituted in March 2018, is still hearing the case.

“The tribunal hasn’t given a verdict yet. Then why is our government rushing to strike a deal outside the tribunal process, and without keeping the public informed?” Mishra said. He echoed earlier concerns raised by Opposition Leader Naveen Patnaik on July 24, who called for an all-party meeting to ensure Odisha’s interests are safeguarded.

BJD Alleges Chhattisgarh Continues to Violate Water Agreements

Highlighting past grievances, Mishra recalled a meeting on September 9, 2016, with then Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti, where Odisha’s concerns were ignored. He claimed that Chhattisgarh has continued constructing upstream dams and barrages without consultation or approval, leading Odisha to move the Supreme Court, which eventually led to the formation of the tribunal.

“Chhattisgarh has never respected Odisha’s water rights. That must be acknowledged before any resolution is reached,” Mishra asserted.

Save Mahanadi Movement Demands Wider Consultation

The Save Mahanadi Movement, comprising river experts, political activists, and members of civil society, supported the idea of a resolution but demanded inclusive discussions. The group insisted that political parties, experts, and river activists must be consulted before any formal talks with Chhattisgarh begin.

They also announced a follow-up meeting to be held in Chhattisgarh at the end of August, signaling a sustained effort to push for a collective resolution.

Key Demands: Water Flow Assurance and River Board Formation

The movement also called for Odisha to put forward specific non-negotiable conditions, including a mandatory release of 1.74 million acre-feet (MAF) of water by Chhattisgarh during non-monsoon periods. In addition, they urged the Central Government to establish a Mahanadi River Board under Article 165 of the Constitution, to ensure the ecological and social health of the river basin.

Public Demands Transparency and Responsibility

The Mahanadi, often described as Odisha’s lifeline, has become a symbol of dispute since 2016, when Odisha began accusing Chhattisgarh of manipulating upstream water flow, affecting agriculture, drinking water supply, and the environment.

With the next tribunal hearing scheduled for September 6, political observers hope that the presence of BJP-led governments in both states might open the door for a fair resolution. However, the BJD’s apprehensions underline the need for transparency, accountability, and collective state interest before any agreement is signed.

As the dispute continues, citizens across Odisha are demanding clarity and justice, to ensure that the Mahanadi continues to nourish millions of lives and ecosystems downstream.