Odisha and Chhattisgarh Move Towards Resolution in Mahanadi Water Dispute

Progress in Mahanadi Water Sharing Dispute

Bhubaneswar: A significant step has been taken towards resolving the long-standing water-sharing conflict over the Mahanadi River, as Odisha and Chhattisgarh have reached an agreement to pursue a peaceful settlement. This development has led the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal to extend the timeline for negotiations.

During a hearing on Saturday, the tribunal acknowledged recent communications and affirmations from both states that support a negotiated solution.

Justice Bela M. Trivedi, chairing the tribunal, stated, "We find it fitting to request the relevant secretaries from both states to attend the next tribunal session and update us on the progress of the settlement discussions."

The tribunal has scheduled the next hearing for September 6.

Previously, Odisha's Advocate General, Pitambar Acharya, informed the tribunal that both states are actively seeking a peaceful resolution and that discussions have progressed at both the chief secretary and political levels.

Acharya expressed optimism that a breakthrough could be achieved if both chief ministers approach the matter with a "positive mindset."

He also submitted a letter dated July 25, along with the draft minutes from a high-level meeting led by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, which included a proposal for an amicable resolution to the Mahanadi water dispute.

Additionally, Acharya presented a response from Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, indicating that the matter is under consideration.

A senior advocate representing the Chhattisgarh government also informed the tribunal that the issue is actively being reviewed by their chief minister.

Sai confirmed receipt of Majhi's letter and mentioned that the option for a negotiated resolution remains open.

The Mahanadi water-sharing conflict has persisted for nearly ten years.

Odisha has repeatedly claimed that Chhattisgarh's construction of barrages and dams upstream has hindered the natural water flow, negatively impacting agriculture and livelihoods in the lower basin, particularly during the dry season.

After initial discussions between the states failed, Odisha approached the Supreme Court in November 2016, requesting the establishment of a tribunal under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act of 1956.

The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal was formed by the Centre in March 2018, initially led by Justice AM Khanwilkar. Proceedings have continued from 2018 to 2023, involving data submissions, arguments, and inspections from both states.

In a statement to a news agency, Acharya remarked that no inter-state water dispute in India has ever been fully resolved through tribunal proceedings.

He noted, "Tribunal chair Trivedi has acknowledged the efforts towards an amicable settlement. Historically, no water dispute has been resolved through tribunal processes. In the past six years leading up to 2024, there has been little substantial progress. Only one witness has been examined, while many others are yet to testify. If the tribunal continues for another decade, it may still remain unresolved."

According to Acharya, it is preferable to settle such disputes through political negotiations.

He added, "The latest developments are promising. Both Odisha and Chhattisgarh are governed by the same party. The Centre may step in to facilitate a resolution through negotiations."

Acharya also mentioned that the central government and the Union Home Minister have intervened, and the Union Jal Shakti Minister has been contacted by the Odisha government. Both chief ministers are in favor of resolving the issue amicably.

"We are hopeful that the disputes will be resolved soon," he concluded.