Raipur (thestates.news) | A significant initiative towards achieving an amicable and long-term resolution of issues related to the sharing of Mahanadi river waters has been taken at Shram Shakti Bhawan in New Delhi on July 30. A meeting on the Mahanadi water dispute between Chhattisgarh and Odisha was held under the chairmanship of Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Patil. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai attended the meeting, along with Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that the Mahanadi is the shared lifeline of both Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Its waters are closely linked to farmers’ livelihoods, drinking water supply, industrial development, environmental conservation, and the future of coming generations.
He said that the Chhattisgarh Government views the meeting not as a continuation of a dispute but as the beginning of a new phase of resolution. He said that the atmosphere of dialogue and cooperation between the two states would provide a strong foundation for a permanent and practical solution.
He further said that the Chhattisgarh Government fully respects Odisha’s requirements related to irrigation, drinking water, and the Hirakud Project. Similarly, he emphasised that the needs of Chhattisgarh’s farmers, tribal regions, drought-affected areas, and the state’s future development should also be considered with equal sensitivity. He stated that the interests of both states are complementary rather than conflicting, and the solution should ensure that neither state’s interests are adversely affected.
The Chief Minister said that experts from both states have already conducted scientific studies on water availability and related technical aspects. He stated that the next step should be to develop a practical and future-oriented framework based on these technical findings. He suggested establishing a joint water management system for low-rainfall years to ensure that neither state faces hardship. He also proposed creating a permanent institutional mechanism to review water availability, utilisation, and future requirements periodically.
Shri Sai further suggested that as many issues as possible should be resolved through administrative and technical coordination. At the same time, only matters of policy significance should be referred to the ministerial level. He said this approach would make the decision-making process more effective, transparent, and time-bound.
The Chief Minister requested Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Patil and the Central Water Commission to provide impartial technical assistance, prepare a time-bound action plan, and facilitate the drafting of a long-term consensus-based agreement between the two states. He said the Central Government’s constructive role would further strengthen mutual trust and accelerate the process of reaching a solution.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that the spirit of cooperative federalism and coordination among states has created a positive environment for resolving complex issues that have remained pending for years. He expressed confidence that, under the guidance of the Central Government, both states would develop a solution that secures the water requirements of farmers, citizens, industries, the environment, and future generations.
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Tokhan Sahu, Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, the Chief Secretary of Odisha and senior Water Resources Department officials of both state governments attended the meeting.
