Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Chhattisgarh CM Says Mahanadi Dispute Will Be Resolved Soon
The Mahanadi River flows through Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
The two states have disagreed about how its water should be shared since 2016.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai says the disagreement will be solved very soon.
He says both states have agreed to accept a decision by the Central Water Commission.
Odisha says that barrages and weirs built upstream in Chhattisgarh have reduced water flowing downstream.
Chhattisgarh says it uses only its share of the river and that Odisha has not used all the water available to it.
Opposition parties in Odisha want more details about how any agreement would protect the state’s interests.
Technical teams are scheduled to discuss the issue, while a tribunal hearing is also approaching.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the Mahanadi water dispute with Odisha will be resolved very soon.
Sai met Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during a two-day visit to Bhubaneswar.
Both states have agreed to accept the Central Water Commission’s decision and pursue a mutually negotiated solution.
Odisha alleges that Chhattisgarh’s upstream barrages and weirs have reduced downstream flows and affected water availability.
Opposition parties questioned Sai’s claim that no dispute remains and sought assurances that Odisha’s interests will be protected.
- Who
- Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, officials from both states, the Central Water Commission and opposing political groups.
- What
- The governments are seeking to resolve the Mahanadi water-sharing dispute through discussions and a Central Water Commission decision.
- When
- Sai made the remarks on Sunday during a two-day visit; technical teams are scheduled to meet on September 21, ahead of a tribunal hearing on September 28.
- Where
- Sai met Majhi at his residence in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- Why
- The states disagree over river-water sharing, including Odisha’s allegation that upstream structures in Chhattisgarh have reduced downstream flows.
Odisha Opposition and River Advocates
Chhattisgarh Government
Whether a dispute remains
Odisha Opposition and River Advocates
The Biju Janata Dal and Congress questioned Sai’s assertion that there is no longer a Mahanadi water dispute, saying the Chhattisgarh government helped create the conflict.
Chhattisgarh Government
Sai said there is no longer a dispute over Mahanadi water distribution and that the matter will be resolved very soon.
Impact of upstream structures
Odisha Opposition and River Advocates
Odisha alleges that Chhattisgarh’s construction of barrages and weirs upstream has obstructed the river’s flow and harmed Odisha’s water availability.
Chhattisgarh Government
Chhattisgarh maintains that it uses only its share of the river and alleges that Odisha has failed to utilise the water available to it.
Basis for a settlement
Odisha Opposition and River Advocates
Opposition leaders sought clarity on how mutual discussions would work and whether Odisha’s interests would be protected.
Chhattisgarh Government
Sai said both states and their senior officials have consented to accept whatever decision the Central Water Commission makes.
- Dispute
- Water-sharing conflict between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the Mahanadi River
- Dispute began
- 2016
- Proposed process
- Mutual dialogue and a decision by the Central Water Commission
- Odisha’s allegation
- At least eight Chhattisgarh barrages have reduced downstream flow
- Chhattisgarh’s position
- It uses only its share of the river and says Odisha has not used all available water
- Upcoming technical meeting
- September 21
- Tribunal hearing
- September 28
- Potentially affected sectors
- Agriculture, fisheries, power generation and water availability
