CM Majhi’s proactive push opens new path to settle Mahanadi water row with Chhattisgarh

Tribunal adjourns hearing to August 6 amid signs of political rapprochement

By Sukant Mohanty

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 2: In a notable display of political pragmatism, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has initiated a fresh effort to break the deadlock over the protracted Mahanadi water-sharing dispute with Chhattisgarh, signalling a shift from courtroom wrangling to direct political dialogue.

The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT), set up in 2018, has made scant headway in resolving the issue, prompting CM Majhi to reach out to his Chhattisgarh counterpart Vishnu Deo Sai on July 25, urging high-level talks between the two states. On Friday, Sai responded in writing, confirming that the proposal for discussions is “under consideration.”

“I am in receipt of your D.O. letter No.405/CM/2025, dated July 25, regarding an amicable settlement of the Mahanadi water dispute between our states. The same is under consideration,” CM Sai stated in his reply.

According to officials in Bhubaneswar, Majhi’s initiative reflects a calculated move, recognising that prolonged tribunal proceedings have failed to offer timely solutions in similar inter-state disputes. With the BJP governing Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and the Centre, political observers see a rare window of opportunity to secure a negotiated settlement.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have intensified their attack. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress have demanded that the BJP deliver on its “triple-engine government” promise and ensure a conclusive resolution, especially as the river’s flow dwindles sharply during the lean monsoon months.

Odisha Advocate General Pitambar Acharya, during the latest tribunal proceedings, confirmed that both states are now considering high-level negotiations. “Litigation has achieved little so far. However, direct talks involving chief secretaries and political leaders have gained traction. Both governments appear receptive, and the tribunal has taken note of this positive development,” Acharya informed. Following this, the tribunal deferred its scheduled August 2 hearing to August 6.

The Mahanadi dispute stems from Odisha’s objection to Chhattisgarh’s construction of dams and barrages on the river’s upper reaches without adequate consultation. Odisha contends that these projects have curtailed downstream water supply, affecting agriculture, drinking water, and ecological balance in the state.

The MWDT, established under a Supreme Court directive on March 12, 2018, is tasked with assessing water-sharing norms and reviewing upstream impacts. Experts say its final award could remain binding until 2051. However, its progress has been hampered by slow-paced inspections and legal complexities.

Politically, the controversy continues to simmer. The Odisha opposition has accused Chhattisgarh of privileging industrial consumption at the expense of equitable sharing, while also targeting the BJP governments for failing to resolve the issue despite political alignment across the two states and the Centre.

With the next hearing slated for August 6, CM Majhi’s outreach could be a turning point — either paving the way for a breakthrough in the long-drawn conflict or heightening the political stakes surrounding one of eastern India’s most contentious river disputes.