Odisha CM attends Mahanadi water dispute meeting
Bhubaneswar, July 30
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday attended a crucial meeting on the Mahanadi water-sharing dispute in New Delhi, chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, where Odisha and Chhattisgarh discussed ways to resolve the long-pending inter-state river water dispute.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the Chief Secretaries of both states, the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, and other senior officials also participated in the meeting.
During the meeting, CM Majhi stressed that any resolution to the Mahanadi water dispute must accord the highest priority to protecting Odisha's rights, safeguarding the interests of its people and farmers, and ensuring environmental conservation.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), in a cordial atmosphere, the Chief Ministers of Odisha and Chhattisgarh expressed their commitment to finding a permanent and mutually acceptable solution to the Mahanadi water dispute through cooperation, coordination, and constructive dialogue between the two states.
The CMO further said that a committee headed by the Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC) will submit its report to the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal within three months.
Expressing optimism over an early resolution, Chief Minister Majhi said he was hopeful that the Mahanadi water dispute would be resolved soon through the cooperation of all stakeholders while fully safeguarding the interests of the people of Odisha.
In a post on his X handle, CM Majhi earlier said Odisha's position was articulated firmly and unequivocally, placing the rights of its people, the interests of farmers, and the protection of the state's water resources above all else.
He reiterated the commitment to securing an amicable, equitable, and lasting resolution through constructive dialogue, cooperation, and goodwill between both states.
Since assuming office, the BJP-led state government in Odisha has consistently emphasised an amicable resolution of the long-pending Mahanadi water dispute through mutual discussions with the Chhattisgarh government.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see both CMs sitting together. But let's be honest, these meetings have happened before with little progress. Need concrete action, not just statements. 😒
As an outsider, this seems like a classic upstream vs downstream conflict. Chhattisgarh gets the water first, Odisha suffers. Hope the tribunal considers historical usage and environmental impact.
Mahanadi is the lifeline of Odisha! Our farmers, especially in Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur, depend on it. CM Majhi is right to prioritize Odisha's rights. No compromise on water security. 💪
Interesting that a BJP CM in Odisha is now working with a BJP CM in Chhattisgarh. Party lines shouldn't matter when it comes to water, but this might actually help speed up the resolution. Let's hope so!
The committee report within three months sounds promising. But we've seen many deadlines missed. Odisha must keep the pressure on. Our water, our right! 🚰
Why can't our leaders resolve this earlier? It's been dragging since 2018. The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal should have decided by now. But better late than never. Hope this time is different.
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