Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Tribunal Urges Odisha-Chhattisgarh Dialogue on Mahanadi Dispute
The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal has asked Odisha and Chhattisgarh to talk things out instead of fighting in court.
The two states have been arguing over the water from the Mahanadi river for a long time.
Odisha says Chhattisgarh is building things that take away their water, while Chhattisgarh says they are using their fair share.
The tribunal thinks talking might work better than a long court battle.
Both states hope this will lead to a fair solution.
The next meeting is on August 21.
The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal urged Odisha and Chhattisgarh to resolve their water dispute through dialogue.
The tribunal suggested the Central Water Commission and Ministry of Jal Shakti could help facilitate negotiations.
Odisha and Chhattisgarh have been in a long-standing dispute over the Mahanadi river waters.
The next hearing is scheduled for August 21 to review progress in negotiations.
Odisha argues that Chhattisgarh's infrastructure projects upstream affect downstream water availability.
- Who
- Odisha and Chhattisgarh
- What
- Mahanadi water dispute resolution through dialogue
- When
- Next hearing on August 21
- Where
- New Delhi
- Why
- To resolve the long-pending water dispute and avoid prolonged litigation
Odisha's Perspective
Chhattisgarh's Perspective
Water Usage and Infrastructure
Odisha's Perspective
Odisha argues that Chhattisgarh's construction of barrages and other water infrastructure upstream adversely affects downstream water availability, especially during the lean season.
Chhattisgarh's Perspective
Chhattisgarh maintains that it is utilizing its legitimate share of the river's waters within its territorial jurisdiction.
- River
- Mahanadi
- States Involved
- Odisha, Chhattisgarh
- Tribunal
- Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal
- Next Hearing Date
- August 21
- Key Facilitators
- Central Water Commission (CWC), Ministry of Jal Shakti