Chhattisgarh and Odisha Begin Initiative to Resolve Mahanadi Water Dispute

Chhattisgarh and Odisha have begun discussions to resolve the longstanding Mahanadi river dispute. Technical committees will meet weekly to identify issues and seek solutions, aiming for a mutually beneficial resolution.

The Mahanadi, one of India’s major rivers that flows from Chhattisgarh through Odisha into the Bay of Bengal, has long been a source of dispute between the two states.

To resolve this longstanding issue through dialogue, an important meeting was held in New Delhi on August 30, 2025. Chief Secretaries of Chhattisgarh and Odisha, along with the Secretaries of their respective Water Resource Departments, participated in the meeting. Both states acknowledged that the dispute is old and complex, but emphasized that it is necessary to work out a solution amicably for the benefit of their people.

It was decided that starting September 2025, technical committees comprising engineers and experts from both states will meet every week. These committees will identify key issues, seek solutions, and also explore ways to establish a framework for better coordination between the two states.

In October 2025, another meeting will be held at the level of Chief Secretaries, with the Water Resource Secretaries also participating. If progress continues, by December the Chief Ministers of both states may hold a meeting to decide the future course of action.

Finally, both states agreed to approach discussions with sincerity and an open mind, ensuring that any resolution reached will be mutually beneficial. Experts believe that if this initiative succeeds, it will not only benefit Odisha and Chhattisgarh but also serve as a model for the entire country—showing that even longstanding disputes can be resolved amicably through dialogue and cooperation.