Centre Pushes for Consensus on Long-Pending Mahanadi Water Dispute

New Delhi, July 30, 2026; Union Minister of Jal Shakti C. R. Paatil chaired a high-level meeting with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to facilitate an amicable resolution of the long-standing Mahanadi Water Dispute through dialogue, technical cooperation, and the principles of cooperative federalism.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Central Water Commission (CWC), and representatives from both state governments participated in the meeting, which marked another significant step towards finding a mutually acceptable framework for sharing the waters of the Mahanadi river.

The Mahanadi, a vital river system supporting millions of people across Chhattisgarh and Odisha, has been at the centre of a prolonged dispute over water sharing, especially concerning the management and utilisation of river resources. The Centre has been facilitating discussions between the two states to encourage cooperation and resolve outstanding issues through technical assessments and consensus-building.

Following a request from Odisha, the Government of India constituted the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) on March 12, 2018, under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956. The tenure of the tribunal was later extended to provide adequate opportunity to all stakeholders to present their views and examine relevant technical aspects of the dispute.

In recent months, efforts towards resolution have gained momentum, with both states expressing willingness to pursue an amicable settlement through constructive discussions. The meeting reviewed the progress of the Joint Technical Committee, which has conducted multiple rounds of consultations and reached agreement on several technical matters.

The expanded Technical Committee, chaired by the Chairman of the Central Water Commission and comprising representatives from Chhattisgarh and Odisha, has also begun discussions on the remaining technical issues. Its first meeting was held on July 29, 2026, to further advance the consultation process.

Addressing the meeting, Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil highlighted the importance of the Mahanadi as a lifeline for communities, agriculture, and economic activities in both states. He emphasised that mutual trust, scientific assessment, and continuous dialogue remain the most effective ways to achieve an equitable and sustainable solution.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of cooperative federalism in resolving complex inter-state water issues. He referred to recent examples of agreements and progress on various river and water management initiatives as evidence that prolonged disputes can be addressed through sustained engagement and consensus-driven approaches.

Both Chief Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continue technical consultations in a positive and cooperative manner. They appreciated the role of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Central Water Commission in facilitating discussions and creating a platform for constructive engagement.

Concluding the meeting, Paatil said that the objective is not limited to resolving the existing dispute but also to establish a long-term, balanced, and sustainable management framework for the Mahanadi basin. He expressed confidence that continued cooperation between Chhattisgarh and Odisha would help pave the way for an enduring solution benefiting people of both states.