On Thursday, a pivotal initiative was launched in New Delhi to address the long-standing water dispute over the Mahanadi between Chhattisgarh and Odisha. The gathering at Kartavya Bhavan was led by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, featuring Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, who engaged in comprehensive discussions about various aspects of the Mahanadi and outlined their respective positions.
Attendees included Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Patil, the Chairman of the Central Water Commission, as well as the Chief Secretaries and senior officials from both states and the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai articulated Chhattisgarh’s stance, emphasizing that the Mahanadi is not just a water source but a vital link tied to the culture, civilization, agriculture, and livelihoods of residents in both states. He described the river as a connector rather than a divider and advocated for a resolution founded on cooperation, trust, and consensus instead of competition or conflict.
Shri Sai stressed the importance of prioritizing a solution that addresses the needs of both states and their citizens. He underscored Chhattisgarh’s preference for a fair, unbiased, scientifically-based, transparent, and enduring resolution that considers the welfare of farmers, citizens, and future generations.
Notably, Shri Sai highlighted that the Mahanadi’s source is in Chhattisgarh, with a significant portion of its catchment area located there. The river’s role is crucial for agriculture, irrigation, drinking water, and developmental needs, particularly in tribal and rural sectors. Thus, any sustainable solution must take into account Chhattisgarh’s legitimate necessities.
The Chief Minister also expressed respect for Odisha’s interests, acknowledging the significance of the Hirakud reservoir to Odisha, and affirmed Chhattisgarh’s readiness to collaborate for its preservation and efficient management.
Shri Sai advocated that water should be a shared resource promoting mutual prosperity and called for a system for transparent data sharing on water availability and usage, which would facilitate scientific decision-making.
Expressing optimism about the initiative led by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, Chief Minister Shri Sai noted that constructive dialogues between the states, facilitated by the Central Government, have raised hopes for reaching a mutual agreement.
He referenced Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s role in fostering national unity post-Independence, suggesting that ongoing discussions to resolve inter-state issues also reinforce the ideals of cooperative federalism and national cohesion.
Furthermore, he emphasized that amicable resolutions of water disputes build trust and strengthen relationships between states. Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, the collaboration between state and central authorities has fostered a favorable environment for addressing complex challenges.
Shri Sai pointed out that both scientific data and emotional sentiments are crucial in discussions about the Mahanadi. He expressed confidence in the impartial mediation of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Central Water Commission’s technical evaluation.
The way forward should involve an exhaustive assessment of water resources, current and future needs, irrigation, drinking water, environmental considerations, and developmental priorities for both states. If technical facts are clearly established, and political dialogue remains constructive, a mutually satisfactory resolution is achievable.
Shri Sai assured that Chhattisgarh would fully support any fair and practical solution that arises from the ongoing discussions between the two states, facilitated by the Central Government.
Highlighting the positive outcomes achieved in Bastar through effective coordination between the state and central governments, he expressed confidence that similar progress can be made on the Mahanadi issue through determined dialogue and trust among all parties involved.
Reiterating the shared cultural and historical ties between Chhattisgarh and Odisha, Chief Minister Shri Sai emphasized that the two states have maintained deep connections for centuries. He noted the commonalities in tribal traditions and lifestyles, as well as shared faith in Mahaprabhu Jagannath, which binds the two states together. Therefore, the Mahanadi should serve as a river of cooperation rather than a source of discord.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the welfare of farmers and citizens is paramount for both states. By fostering mutual trust, both parties can devise a solution that meets the agricultural and developmental needs of their respective communities.
Discussions at both political and technical levels regarding the Mahanadi water dispute are ongoing. Previous dialogues have involved the Chief Ministers and central government representatives, with the Central Water Commission addressing technical aspects.
Established in 2018, the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal was set up to mediate the conflict over water sharing. Concurrently, efforts to reach a consensus acceptable to both states through dialogue and technical discussions have continued.
This high-level meeting signifies an important advancement in this ongoing process, with all parties engaging in positive discussions aimed at fostering dialogue and technical negotiations to achieve a sustainable resolution of Mahanadi-related issues through mutual agreement.
Representing Chhattisgarh were Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Water Resources Department Secretary Shri Rajesh Sukumar Toppo, along with other senior officials from the state government.
