Odisha CM to Visit Raipur for Mahanadi Talks

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is set to visit Raipur after the Assembly session to meet Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for discussions on the long‑standing Mahanadi water dispute.

This monsoon, the basin witnessed five flood spells, making Hirakud Dam operations critical. Odisha has reopened the dam’s “rule curve” to reassess water storage and release protocols.

Earlier, CM Sai met Majhi in Bhubaneswar, stressing that the issue is no longer a political flashpoint since both states now have BJP governments.

He expressed willingness to accept a Central Water Commission (CWC) formula for water sharing.

Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil has urged both states to pursue a negotiated settlement.

Technical committees under the CWC have been expanded to facilitate dialogue.

Odisha maintains that upstream barrages and projects like Kalma alter river flow — reducing water availability in dry months and worsening floods in rainy months.

The dispute, which dates back to 2016, is currently before a tribunal formed in 2018.

The Raipur talks are expected to focus on reservoir releases, coordinated flood management, and revising the Hirakud rule curve, potentially laying the groundwork for a basin‑wide compact.