Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Odisha, Chhattisgarh CM Meeting Aims to Resolve Mahanadi Water Dispute
The Mahanadi River runs through two Indian states, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
For many years, the two states have argued over how much water each should get.
In a meeting in New Delhi, the leaders of both states talked and decided to try to solve the problem together.
They will ask experts to make a report in three months, hoping to finish the dispute by Diwali, a big festival.
Odisha says the water is being blocked by Chhattisgarh’s dams, while Chhattisgarh says it is using its fair share.
The meeting shows both sides want a peaceful solution.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the Mahanadi water dispute could be resolved within three months, by Diwali.
A high‑level meeting in New Delhi, chaired by Union Water Resources Minister C R Patil, brought the two chief ministers together to discuss sharing, utilisation and management of the river.
Both sides agreed to cooperate, coordinate and engage in constructive dialogue, and a committee headed by the Central Water Commission will submit a report to the Mahanadi Tribunal within three months.
Odisha claims upstream barrages by Chhattisgarh have reduced downstream flow, threatening irrigation, drinking water and industry; Chhattisgarh says it is using its entitled share and that Odisha has not fully utilised its water.
The dispute has been ongoing for over a decade; the central government established the Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal in 2018 under the Inter‑State River Water Disputes Act.
- Who
- Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, Union Water Resources Minister C R Patil
- What
- Agreement to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute through cooperation and a committee report
- When
- Meeting held on 30 July 2024; resolution expected by Diwali 2024
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To protect Odisha’s water rights, farmers, and environment, and to settle a long‑standing disagreement over water sharing
- Dispute
- Mahanadi water sharing
- Parties
- Odisha and Chhattisgarh
- Meeting Date
- 30 July 2024
- Expected Resolution
- by Diwali 2024
- Committee
- Central Water Commission
- Tribunal
- Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal
- Minister
- C R Patil
