Odisha, Chhattisgarh Begin Crucial Talks In Delhi Ahead Of Tribunal Hearing

Bhubaneswar: A major phase in the long-running Mahanadi river water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh began in New Delhi on Tuesday; Officials, technical experts and legal representatives from both the states began discussions under the guidance of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal.

The negotiations, which are planned to continue until June 26, aim to address basic technical and legal issues regarding the sharing of Mahanadi river water. The outcome of the discussions is expected to play an important role in helping the Court reach a fair and balanced decision on the interstate dispute.

The court had granted additional time for dialogue after both Odisha and Chhattisgarh expressed willingness to hold detailed consultations on various aspects of water allocation and use. The discussions are seen as an important opportunity to narrow down differences and explore mutually acceptable solutions before the case’s next hearing on June 27.

Odisha Chief Justice Pitambar Acharya had earlier stated that technical and legal teams from both states will hold direct consultations on key issues. He also stated that support could be received from the Central Water Commission (CWC) if needed during the process.

At the center of the discussions is determining the fair sharing of Mahanadi waters for both states and establishing objective criteria for water distribution. Odisha has consistently maintained that the construction of dams and other water retention structures upstream by Chhattisgarh has adversely affected the flow of water into the state, especially during non-monsoon months.

The dispute, which has been going on for nearly a decade, led the Center to set up the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal in 2018 to adjudicate the issue. Both states have since submitted extensive hydrological, technical and legal data to support their claims.

Officials and stakeholders remain hopeful that the ongoing 11-day exercise will help bridge differences and pave the way for a durable solution to one of eastern India’s most significant inter-state river water disputes.