A significant hearing on the long-pending Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh took place in New Delhi on Friday, with the tribunal expressing strong appreciation for the proactive efforts of both states’ Chief Ministers.
The tribunal noted with satisfaction that Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai have been actively engaging in discussions aimed at finding an amicable solution. It praised their leadership and commitment toward resolving the decades-old conflict through dialogue rather than prolonged litigation.
Odisha’s Advocate General Pitambar Acharya, reacting to the proceedings, said the tribunal was clearly pleased with the progress. “The tribunal has highly appreciated the efforts of the two Chief Ministers. The Central Water Commission has already constituted a technical team comprising its own members and engineers from both states. They will examine all aspects and offer a well-considered recommendation to resolve this long-standing dispute,” Acharya stated.
Both states have submitted detailed data on their water demands and requirements. Acharya expressed optimism that the far-sighted approach of the two Chief Ministers has brightened the prospects of an early settlement.
The tribunal has fixed the next hearing for September 17.
This positive development follows a series of constructive steps earlier this year. In April, the tribunal itself had encouraged both states to explore an out-of-court settlement. Technical-level discussions were held in June. On July 30, a high-level meeting chaired by Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil took place in New Delhi, attended by both Chief Ministers. After that meeting, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi had expressed hope that a resolution could be reached within three months or before Diwali.
With political will from the top leadership of both states, technical support from the CWC, and the tribunal’s encouragement, the path toward ending the Mahanadi water dispute appears more promising than it has in years.
