Mahanadi River dispute resolution between Odisha, Chhattisgarh on track, says CM Majhi

The dispute-resolution process over sharing Mahanadi water between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, with technical support from the Central Water Commission, is on track, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said after attending a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Thursday (October 1, 2026).

“After meeting under chairmanship of Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil in New Delhi on July 30, 2026, we had informed that the issue would be resolved within three months. Today marked completion of two months, we are on track to resolve it amicably within three months,” said Mr. Majhi.

Stating that the discussions were positive and were held in a cordial atmosphere with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in attendance, the Odisha Chief Minister said, “After the double-engine government of BJP came to power in both Chhattisgarh and Odisha, the process of resolving the Mahanadi issue has accelerated. Along with the legal process, administrative and political efforts have also been taken.”

Mr. Majhi said, “The Mahanadi is the lifeline of Odisha and sustains the lives and livelihoods of crores of people in the State. Today, I also presented several issues relating to irrigation, flood control, hydropower generation, drinking water supply and other matters. Considerable emphasis has been given to ensuring that Odisha gets an adequate quantity of water for all these requirements.”

“We are gradually moving closer to a solution and I hope that the final framework for resolving the issue will emerge very soon. Both State governments have submitted the proposals they were required to submit, as well as all the documents that were sought. Based on these, all necessary steps are being taken to work out a solution keeping in view the interests of both States,” he said.

During the meeting, Mr. Sai outlined his State’s approach to resolving the dispute, describing the Mahanadi as a river that should unite rather than divide the two States.

According to statement released by the Chhattisgarh government, Mr. Sai called for a “win-win” solution based on principles of fairness, scientific assessment, transparency and long-term sustainability, while protecting the interests of farmers, people and future generations in both States.

He pointed out that the Mahanadi originates in Chhattisgarh and that more than half of its catchment area falls within the State. He said the water requirements of Chhattisgarh’s farmers, its irrigation sector and tribal areas should therefore be duly considered as part of any settlement.

Both leaders thanked the Union Home Minister for personally making efforts to resolve the issue.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, development in the country and the States have gained momentum. Similarly, the path to resolving disputes and problems between States is opening up,” he said, adding that solution to the Mahanadi issue would certainly become a model for dispute resolution for other States.

Both Odisha and Chhattisgarh had informed the tribunal that the expanded technical committee is scheduled to meet on October 13. The next date of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal, headed by former Supreme Court Justice Bela M. Trivedi, has been fixed on October 15.