Mahanadi Water Dispute With Odisha Can Be Resolved Through Amicable Talks Between 2 States: Chhattisgarh Dy CM

Bhubaneswar: The dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over Mahanadi river water is yet to be resolved. The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal which was constituted by the Centre in 2018 for adjudication undertook field visits to both the states recently to assess the ground situation.

Close on the heels of the extension granted to the tribunal by the Centre till April 13, 2026, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister T S Singh Deo on Wednesday expressed the hope that a solution to Mahanadi water dispute can be arrived at.

Singh Deo, who was on a visit to Bhubaneswar, told reporters that a solution to the dispute is possible through amicable discussions between both sides if the two states are willing.

Stating that the present situation is on account of a lack of coordination between the two states, the Chhattisgarh Deputy CM said that if both the states sit together and discuss the issue threadbare with an open mind, a solution can be reached.

It is only because of lack of coordination between the two states that the matter has moved to the tribunal, he said, adding that similar situation exists between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Stressing that no state can afford to ignore its own interests, Singh Deo said that both the states have rights over the water of Mahanadi river which originates in Chhattisgarh and then flows through Odisha too.