Odisha and Chhattisgarh intensified efforts to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute as both states prepared for the next Joint Technical Committee meeting on Friday, December 5.
The dispute has remained a contentious issue for years, and the Tribunal hearing is scheduled for December 20.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling informed the Assembly that six committee meetings have already taken place. He stated that the upcoming session will continue discussions on possible solutions. Legislator Durga Prasanna Nayak raised questions during Question Hour about the government’s steps and the current status of the dispute. Mahaling responded that the matter is under consideration before the Tribunal, but both states have started a process for mutual settlement.
The minister explained that after the BJP government assumed office in Chhattisgarh, Chief Ministers Vishnu Deo Sai and Mohan Charan Majhi held informal talks. Later, the issue featured in the Eastern Zonal Council meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, where both leaders discussed the matter further.
On August 30, the Chief Secretaries of Odisha and Chhattisgarh met and prepared a framework for resolving the dispute. Since then, the Joint Technical Committee has convened six times. Officials believe the upcoming meeting will help shape a roadmap for resolution.
