BHUBANESWAR: On Sunday, Vishnu Deo Sai, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, stated that the dispute over Mahanadi water between his state and Odisha is no longer a significant issue and expressed optimism that it will be resolved shortly.

Sai, who is in Odisha for a two-day personal visit with his family, noted that conversations regarding the matter had already taken place in Delhi, where both states reached a consensus to abide by any decision made by the Central Water Commission (CWC) that serves the interests of both Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

“There is no longer any major dispute over Mahanadi water between Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Both states have BJP governments and there is a BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. The issue is expected to be resolved soon,”

Sai remarked to reporters at the Biju Patnaik International Airport upon his arrival.

He added that discussions regarding the water-sharing issue had been conducted in Delhi, with an agreement that any resolution proposed by the CWC would be acceptable to both parties. Over the last two years, the chief ministers of the two states have engaged in multiple rounds of discussions regarding this water dispute. Following his arrival, Sai met with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Majhi’s official residence, where Majhi described their conversation as a “fruitful interaction” focused on enhancing cooperation between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.