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Odisha's Mahanadi Water Battle: Deputy CM Leads High-Stakes Panel

Odisha has set up a high-level committee to tackle the Mahanadi water sharing issue. Chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, it includes key ministers and opposition MLAs. The state is pursuing both judicial channels and direct dialogue with neighboring Chhattisgarh to find a solution. Multiple technical and secretarial-level meetings have already been held as the next tribunal hearing approaches.

Key Points: Odisha Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo Heads Mahanadi Panel

  • Committee formed per CM Majhi's direction to examine all aspects of the water issue
  • Includes ministers and opposition MLAs for bipartisan guidance
  • Dispute involves judicial efforts and dialogue with Chhattisgarh
  • Joint Technical Committee has held multiple meetings on technical data
2 min read

Odisha sets up Deputy CM-headed panel to guide govt on Mahanadi water dispute issue

Odisha forms high-level committee chaired by Deputy CM to guide state's strategy in the complex Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh.

"The river is considered the lifeline of Odisha. - Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi"

Bhubaneswar, Dec 10

In view of the ongoing discussions and proceedings before the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal, and considering the complexity and sensitivity of issues related to the river water issue, the state government’s Water Resources Department has constituted a high-level committee under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Wednesday.

The committee, formed as per the directions of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, will examine all relevant aspects of the Mahanadi water issue and provide necessary policy-level guidance to the ongoing technical and administrative efforts being undertaken by the state government on the matter.

Apart from Chairman Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, the other members are State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Industry Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, Government Chief Whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan, BJD MLA and former Minister Niranjan Pujari, BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, and Congress MLA Sofia Firdous.

The Chief Minister recently told the Odisha Assembly that for the past one and a half years, the state government has been making every effort -- both judicial and through dialogue -- to resolve the Mahanadi water-sharing dispute, as the river is considered the lifeline of Odisha.

The government also informed the members in the state Assembly that the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) of the Odisha and Chhattisgarh governments was set to meet on December 5, continuing the efforts of both neighbouring states to reach an amicable resolution to the long-standing Mahanadi water dispute.

It was also informed that CM Majhi had held informal talks with his Chhattisgarh counterpart, Vishnu Deo Sai, regarding the issue. The matter was later taken up at the Eastern Zonal Council Conference, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, where the two Chief Ministers continued their discussions.

A Chief Secretary (CS)-level meeting was also held in Delhi on August 30, during which the Chief Secretaries of Odisha and Chhattisgarh held detailed discussions to resolve the long-pending issue.

Following the CS-level meeting in Delhi, six meetings of the JTC have already been held, reviewing technical details, water-flow data, and related aspects. Similarly, the Chief Secretaries of both states met again on November 10 this year to continue the process. In addition to the JTC discussions, the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal is scheduled to hold its next hearing on December 20.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Good to see all-party representation with BJD, BJP, and Congress MLAs. Water disputes shouldn't be political. We need a solution for the farmers and people of Odisha.
R
Rahul R
While forming committees is a step, I hope this doesn't become another 'talks about talks' scenario. We've seen many meetings since August. The tribunal hearing on Dec 20 is crucial. Action is needed, not just guidance.
A
Ananya R
Including the Law Minister is smart. This is as much a legal battle as a technical one. Hope the committee can guide our state's strategy effectively before the tribunal.
V
Vikram M
The fact that CM Majhi and CM Sai are talking directly, and it was discussed at the Zonal Council with Amit Shah ji, gives me hope. Sometimes these interstate issues need a push from the centre.
K
Kavya N
Six meetings of the Joint Technical Committee is progress. The data on water flow is key. Odisha must protect its rightful share. Jai Mahanadi! 🚰

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