The Mahanadi River, the lifeline of Odisha, is at the centre of a brewing controversy as the state’s BJP-led government hints at a “mutual agreement” with Chhattisgarh, potentially sidelining a long-standing legal battle.
With just eight days remaining until the next Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) hearing on August 2, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has sounded the alarm, demanding transparency and accountability.
Crucial Questions on #Mahanadi: The People Deserve Answers
Yesterday, Hon’ble CM Shri Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level meeting on the long-standing Mahanadi water dispute. As per the official press release and a post by the Advocate General, the focus was on resolving… pic.twitter.com/tMaEYbCi2I
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 24, 2025
The dispute, rooted in Chhattisgarh’s upstream dam projects reducing water flow to Odisha’s Hirakud reservoir, led to the MWDT’s formation in 2018 following a Supreme Court order. Patnaik, leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), credits his party’s efforts and public pressure for this legal recourse. However, a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on July 23 has shifted focus toward a bilateral resolution with Chhattisgarh—both states now governed by the BJP.
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This move has raised critical questions. What does the “mutual agreement” entail? Is Odisha withdrawing from the tribunal process? Why has the government remained silent, failing to consult stakeholders or political parties? Patnaik warns of a potential compromise that could undermine Odisha’s water rights, especially as Central Water Commission data suggests Chhattisgarh exceeds its equitable share by 20-25%.
The timing is critical. With the August 2 hearing looming, any decision to abandon the legal route could significantly impact the state’s access to the Mahanadi waters, which are vital for agriculture and hydropower.
Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil’s 2024 optimism about a BJP-led solution contrasts with growing unease in Odisha’s western districts, where communities fear losing their share.
Patnaik’s post on X has ignited public debate, urging an all-party meeting to clarify the government’s intentions. “Mahanadi is not just a river, it’s the soul of our state,” he wrote, echoing concerns of a politically motivated settlement.
As the clock ticks, Odisha’s government faces pressure to reveal its cards—or risk eroding trust in its stewardship of this precious resource.
