New Delhi [India], September 11 (HBTV): The Chief Secretaries and Water Resource Department secretaries of Chhattisgarh and Odisha held a meeting in New Delhi to address the long-standing Mahanadi river dispute, stressing the need for an amicable resolution in the interest of the people, according to an official statement.
Both states acknowledged that the dispute is old and complex but underlined that finding a mutually acceptable solution is essential. Starting September 2025, technical committees comprising engineers and experts from both states will meet weekly to identify key issues, explore solutions, and establish a framework for better coordination.
Another meeting at the Chief Secretary level, with Water Resource Secretaries also participating, is scheduled for October. If progress is made, the Chief Ministers of both states are expected to meet in December to decide the future course of action.
The official statement said that both states have agreed to approach discussions with sincerity and openness, ensuring that any resolution reached will be mutually beneficial. Experts believe that if this initiative succeeds, it could serve as a model for the entire country, demonstrating that even protracted disputes can be resolved through dialogue and cooperation.
On July 24, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level meeting to address the issue with Chhattisgarh, emphasising the importance of resolving it through mutual talks with the Centre’s cooperation. Senior officials, including the Advocate General and Development Commissioner, attended the meeting at the Lok Seva Bhawan.
In 2016, the Odisha government submitted a complaint to the Centre under Section 3 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, seeking the constitution of a Tribunal under Section 4(1) of the Act to adjudicate the dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the waters of the Mahanadi river and its basin.
(ANI)