Settlement of Mahanadi River disputes between Odisha, Chhattisgarh on track, says CM Majhi

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The process of resolving Mahanadi water sharing disputes 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 (Oct 1, 2026).

“After a meeting chaired by Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in New Delhi on July 30, 2026, we informed that the issue will be resolved within three months. Two months have passed today and we are on track to resolve it amicably within three months,” Mr Majhi said.

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

Mr. Majhi said, “The Mahanadi is the lifeline of Odisha and sustains the lives and livelihood of millions of people in the state. Today I also presented several issues related to irrigation, flood control, hydropower generation, drinking water supply and other issues. Considerable emphasis was placed on ensuring that Odisha gets sufficient water for all these requirements.”

“We are gradually getting closer to a solution, and I hope that the definitive framework for solving the problem will be established very soon. The governments of both states have submitted the proposals that were required to be submitted, as well as all the documents that were sought. Based on this, all the necessary steps are being taken to find a solution that takes into account 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 the two states rather than divide them.

According to a statement issued by the Chhattisgarh government, Mr Sai called for a “win-win” solution based on the principles of equity, scientific evaluation, 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 farmers in Chhattisgarh, its irrigation sector and tribal areas should therefore be given due consideration as part of any settlement.

Both the leaders thanked the Union Home Minister for his personal efforts to resolve the issue.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, development in the country and in the states has gained momentum. Similarly, the way to resolve disputes and problems between states is opening,” he said, adding that resolving the Mahanadi issue would surely become a model for dispute resolution for other states.

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

Published – 02 Oct 2026 16:15 IST