Majhi Pushes for Dialogue-Based Solution with Chhattisgarh

At a high-level summit held at Lokseva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the urgency of resolving the long-standing Mahanadi river water dispute with neighboring Chhattisgarh through constructive dialogue and mutual cooperation. The Chief Minister also called on the Central Water Commission (CWC) to fast-track its efforts in finding a fair and lasting resolution to the issue.

Centre Urged to Play a Stronger Role

Expressing dissatisfaction over the slow progress made by the Central Water Commission, CM Majhi appealed to the Union Government to step in and facilitate a structured and result-oriented dialogue between Odisha and Chhattisgarh. He expressed optimism that the involvement of water resource experts and technical bodies would help bridge differences and foster improved inter-state relations.

Ongoing Dialogue Builds on Past Engagements

The renewed focus on the Mahanadi issue comes in the wake of previous discussions between CM Majhi and Chhattisgarh CM Vishnudeo Sai. The two leaders held conversations during the All India State Water Ministers’ Conference in Rajasthan in February and again during World Water Day events in Bhubaneswar in March. Both leaders have repeatedly underlined the need for a peaceful, legally sound resolution to the dispute.

Top Officials and Experts Join Strategic Meeting

The summit saw participation from senior state functionaries, including Advocate General Pitambar Acharya, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, and Additional Chief Secretaries Anu Garg (Water Resources) and Shashwat Mishra (Development). Also present were senior engineers and officials from the Water Resources Department, reflecting the seriousness of the issue and the government’s commitment to a technical, data-driven solution.

Central Water Commission Seen as Key Mediator

The discussion highlighted the vital role of the Central Water Commission as a neutral technical authority in mediating the inter-state dispute. Officials acknowledged that only through coordinated planning and shared responsibility can both states achieve equitable water sharing and ensure long-term sustainability of the Mahanadi river basin.

Stronger Interstate Relations and Sustainable Resource Use

With agriculture, industry, and rural livelihoods depending heavily on the Mahanadi’s water, both Odisha and Chhattisgarh are under pressure to find a balanced solution. Officials agreed that resolving the dispute is not just a political necessity, but a socio-economic imperative. The active involvement of the Centre is expected to inject fresh momentum into the process in the months ahead.

The post Odisha CM Calls for Accelerated Talks to Resolve Mahanadi Water Dispute appeared first on Odisha Connect.