A major initiative towards resolving the Mahanadi dispute

High-level meeting of Chhattisgarh and Odisha chaired by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah

Mahanadi is not going to divide us, it is the lifeline that connects both states: The solution should be such that both states win – Chief Minister Sai

Chhattisgarh is fully committed to finding a just and lasting solution through dialogue, scientific assessment and mutual consent: Chief Minister Sai

Emphasis on moving forward keeping in mind the interests of farmers, common citizens and future generations of both the states.

Raipur: 
 An important initiative was taken in New Delhi today towards an amicable and permanent solution to the long-standing Mahanadi water dispute between Chhattisgarh and Odisha. In a high-level meeting held at Kartavya Bhawan under the chairmanship of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi discussed in detail various issues related to Mahanadi and presented the views of their respective states.

The meeting was attended by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, Chairman of the Central Water Commission, Chief Secretaries of Chhattisgarh and Odisha, along with senior officials of the Union Jal Shakti Ministry, Central Water Commission and both the states.

Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, representing Chhattisgarh at the meeting, said that the Mahanadi River is not just a source of water, but a lifeline linked to the civilization, culture, agriculture, and livelihood of both states. The Mahanadi is not a river that divides Chhattisgarh and Odisha, but rather connects them. Therefore, its solution should be based on cooperation, trust, and consensus, rather than competition or conflict.

Chief Minister Sai said, "Our efforts should be to find a solution that protects the interests of both states and their citizens. Chhattisgarh advocates for a just, fair, scientific, transparent, and long-term solution. Such a solution should be designed keeping in mind the interests of farmers, common citizens, and future generations of both states."

Chief Minister Sai said that the Mahanadi River originates in Chhattisgarh and a large part of its catchment area is located in the state. Agriculture, irrigation, drinking water, and the development needs of the state, especially tribal and rural areas, are linked to the Mahanadi River. Therefore, any permanent solution must adequately address these real needs of Chhattisgarh.

He clarified that while Chhattisgarh pursues its own interests, it also fully respects the needs and interests of Odisha. Hirakud is the lifeline of Odisha, and Chhattisgarh fully understands its importance. The Chief Minister stated that Chhattisgarh is ready to move forward with the spirit of cooperation necessary for the interests of the Hirakud Reservoir and its smooth operation.

Chief Minister Sai said that a vital natural resource like water should be used as a means of shared prosperity. A mechanism should be developed between the two states in which facts related to water availability, needs, and use are shared transparently, and decisions are made on a scientific basis.

Hope for solution from the initiative of Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Welcoming the initiative taken by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute, Chief Minister Sai said that the positive dialogue between the two states under the mediation of the Central Government has strengthened the hope of finding a way to mutual consensus.

Recalling Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's contributions to national integration, he said that after independence, Sardar Patel played a historic role in uniting the country. Today, efforts to advance long-pending issues between states through dialogue and consensus also strengthen this spirit of cooperative federalism and national unity.

The Chief Minister said that amicable resolution of water-related issues between states also strengthens trust, cooperation, and emotional ties between states. In keeping with the spirit of cooperative federalism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, coordination between the states and the central government has created an environment conducive to moving forward toward resolution of complex issues.

Dialogue and scientific facts will lead to sustainable solutions

Chief Minister Sai stated that scientific facts are as important as emotions when it comes to the Mahanadi River. Chhattisgarh has full confidence in the mediation of the Union Ministry of Water Power and the impartial, scientific, and transparent technical assessment of the Central Water Commission.

He said that we should proceed by comprehensively studying water availability, current and future needs, irrigation, drinking water, environmental needs, and the developmental needs of both states. If the facts are clear at the technical level and dialogue and trust are maintained at the political level, a solution can certainly be found that is acceptable to both states and in the interests of future generations.

The Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh will fully cooperate in taking forward with a positive spirit the just and practical solution that will emerge through consultation between the two states and mediation of the Central Government.

Like Bastar, we believe in moving towards a solution with strong will and coordination.

Chief Minister Sai said that Chhattisgarh has witnessed the positive results of strong coordination between the central and state governments in Bastar. The integrated approach, which combined security, development, and public trust, to address the decades-old challenge of Naxalism has brought about profound changes in Bastar.

He expressed confidence that even on complex and long-pending issues, decisive progress toward resolution is possible when there is clear will, sustained dialogue, and trust among all parties. The two states can move forward with the same positive spirit on the Mahanadi River issue.

Mahanadi should not be a dispute, it should be a channel of cooperation: Chief Minister Sai

Chief Minister Sai, citing the deep social, cultural, and historical ties between Chhattisgarh and Odisha, said that the cordial relations between the people of the two neighboring states go back centuries. There are many similarities in the tribal culture, traditions, and lifestyles of the two states.

Referring to the faith in Lord Jagannath and the cultural ties between Shivrinarayan and Puri, he said, "Our faith and culture unite us. The Mahanadi is also a part of this shared heritage and way of life. Therefore, it should be our collective effort to make the Mahanadi not a line of contention, but a stream of cooperation, development, and trust."

The Chief Minister said that the interests of both states are the priority of their farmers and citizens. The leadership of both states understands the ground realities. Therefore, through mutual trust, a path can be found that benefits the farmers of both Chhattisgarh and Odisha and also meets the development needs of both states.

Dialogue will continue at the technical and political levels

It is noteworthy that dialogue between Chhattisgarh and Odisha on the Mahanadi water dispute is progressing steadily at the political and technical levels. Previous discussions have also taken place between the Chief Ministers of both states and the Central Government. The role of the Central Water Commission has been considered crucial in resolving technical issues.

The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal was established in 2018 to resolve the dispute over the Mahanadi River water sharing. Parallel to this, work is underway to find a solution acceptable to both states through mutual dialogue and technical consultations.

Today's high-level meeting is considered an important step in this process. All parties held positive discussions to advance dialogue and technical discussions and to find a mutually agreed and lasting solution to issues related to the Mahanadi River.

On behalf of Chhattisgarh, Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary of Water Resources Department Rajesh Sukumar Toppo and senior officials of the state government were present in the meeting