Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Mahanadi Water Dispute Nears Settlement After Shah-Chaired Talks
Odisha and Chhattisgarh have been arguing for years about how to share the water of the Mahanadi River.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah led a new meeting to help solve the disagreement.
The meeting took place in New Delhi and included both state chief ministers and Union Minister C.R. Patil.
Odisha says projects built upstream in Chhattisgarh can reduce water flowing downstream.
Odisha says this affects farming, drinking water, electricity, floods and the environment.
Chhattisgarh says it has the right to use water for farming, industry and homes.
Officials from both states have been sharing information with the Central Water Commission.
Odisha's chief minister called the latest talks friendly and constructive.
Both sides now appear closer to trying for an agreement instead of relying only on a long legal dispute.
Amit Shah chaired a New Delhi meeting with the chief ministers of Odisha and Chhattisgarh on Thursday.
The talks also included Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil and focused on equitable sharing of Mahanadi water.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the discussions as cordial and positive and said a settlement framework could be developed soon.
Odisha raised concerns about irrigation, drinking water, flood management, hydropower, environmental protection and reduced downstream flows.
The Central Water Commission is examining data from both states, while Chhattisgarh says it is prepared to accept a decision taken in their larger interest.
- Who
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil.
- What
- A high-level meeting aimed at resolving the Mahanadi water-sharing dispute.
- When
- Thursday; it followed meetings held since July and a September 20 meeting between the two chief ministers.
- Where
- Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi.
- Why
- To advance a negotiated settlement and determine an adequate and equitable sharing of Mahanadi water while considering both states' requirements.
Odisha's Position
Chhattisgarh's Position
Impact of upstream projects
Odisha's Position
Odisha says upstream projects, including at least eight barrages in Chhattisgarh, have reduced downstream flows, particularly during the non-monsoon period.
Chhattisgarh's Position
Chhattisgarh maintains its right to use Mahanadi water for irrigation, industrial and domestic requirements.
Importance of water allocation
Odisha's Position
Odisha wants an adequate share of the river to protect irrigation, drinking water, flood management, hydropower and environmental interests.
Chhattisgarh's Position
Chhattisgarh says the issue is not a major dispute and has expressed confidence that it can be resolved soon.
Route to resolution
Odisha's Position
Odisha is seeking a framework that safeguards its downstream needs and reflects its concerns about the river's flow.
Chhattisgarh's Position
Chhattisgarh has supported mutual dialogue and said both states are prepared to accept a Central Water Commission decision made in their larger interest.
- Meeting chair
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah
- States involved
- Odisha and Chhattisgarh
- River
- Mahanadi River
- Additional participant
- Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil
- Current process
- The Central Water Commission is examining data and requirements submitted by both states.
- Odisha's concerns
- Irrigation, drinking water, flood management, hydropower, environmental protection and downstream flows.
- Dispute mechanism
- The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted in 2018 after negotiated efforts failed.
