Odisha Committee Charts Path for Dialogue on Mahanadi Water Dispute
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Inter-Ministerial Committee convened its second meeting at Rajiv Bhawan to deliberate on the long-standing Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh.
Chaired by Deputy Chief Minister K. V. Singh Deo, the session brought together ministers, MLAs, the Advocate General, and senior engineers from the Department of Water Resources.
The committee acknowledged the challenges posed by upstream industrial barrages constructed in Chhattisgarh, which have affected water flow into Hirakud Dam and raised concerns for agriculture, ecology, and downstream communities in Odisha.
While the matter remains under tribunal consideration, members emphasised the importance of pursuing amicable solutions alongside legal proceedings.
It was decided that Odisha will initiate direct talks with Chhattisgarh stakeholders after consulting its own experts and affected communities.
The committee also resolved to send a delegation to Chhattisgarh to foster cooperation and build consensus on water-sharing arrangements.
Officials stressed that dialogue and collaboration are essential to safeguard Odisha’s interests while ensuring regional harmony.
