Mahanadi Water Dispute: Odisha, Chhattisgarh Begin Crucial Talks In Delhi Ahead Of Tribunal Hearing

Bhubaneswar: A crucial phase in the long-running Mahanadi river water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh began in New Delhi on Tuesday, as officials, technical experts and legal representatives from both states commenced discussions under the guidance of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal.

The deliberations, scheduled to continue until June 26, are aimed at addressing key technical and legal issues related to the sharing of Mahanadi river water. The outcome of the discussions is expected to play a significant role in assisting the Tribunal in arriving at a fair and balanced decision on the contentious inter-state dispute.

The Tribunal had earlier granted additional time for dialogue after both Odisha and Chhattisgarh expressed willingness to engage in detailed consultations on various aspects of water allocation and utilisation. The discussions are being viewed as an important opportunity to narrow differences and explore mutually acceptable solutions before the next hearing of the case on June 27.

Odisha Advocate General Pitambar Acharya had earlier stated that technical and legal teams from both states would hold direct consultations on the core issues. He had also indicated that support from the Central Water Commission (CWC) could be sought if required during the process.

At the centre of the discussions is the determination of an equitable share of Mahanadi waters for both states and the formulation of objective criteria for water distribution. Odisha has consistently maintained that the construction of barrages and other water-retention structures by Chhattisgarh in the upstream region has adversely affected the flow of water into the state, particularly during the non-monsoon months.

The dispute, which has persisted for nearly a decade, prompted the Centre to constitute the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal in 2018 to adjudicate the matter. Since then, both states have submitted extensive hydrological, technical and legal data to support their claims.

Officials and stakeholders remain hopeful that the ongoing 11-day exercise will help bridge differences and pave the way for a lasting resolution to one of eastern India’s most significant inter-state river water disputes.