New Delhi: A high-level meeting regarding the Mahanadi water dispute was held today at Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. The meeting was attended by Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
Following the conclusion of the meeting, Chief Minister Shri Majhi addressed the media and described the discussions as positive and held in a very cordial atmosphere. He stated that both states are gradually moving closer to a resolution and expressed hope that a final framework would be released soon, ensuring a solution that protects the interests of both states.
Highlighting the role of the double-engine government under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Odisha Chief Minister said that just as development is being accelerated across the country and the state, paths are also opening up for the peaceful resolution of inter-state disputes. He expressed optimism that this resolution will serve as a model dispute resolution for all other states.
Emphasizing that Mahanadi is the lifeline and the foundation of the livelihoods of crores of people in Odisha, Chief Minister Majhi noted that he raised several crucial issues during the meeting, including irrigation, flood control, hydro-power generation, drinking water supply, and environmental protection. He stressed the importance of ensuring an adequate water supply for Odisha.
The Chief Minister pointed out that after the formation of the double-engine government, the process of resolving the Mahanadi issue has been accelerated in both Chhattisgarh and Odisha, combining legal procedures with broader administrative and political avenues for dialogue.
Detailing the efforts made so far, Shri Majhi mentioned that discussions took place between the two Chief Ministers in July and August 2025. Subsequently, several meetings were held at the level of the Chief Secretaries and Water Resources Secretaries of both states. Another meeting was convened in July under the chairmanship of the Jal Shakti Minister in the presence of the two Chief Ministers.
In accordance with the decisions of the July meeting, necessary issues, data, and information are being provided to the Central Water Commission regarding the requirements of both states. The Chief Minister stated that it was initially agreed during that meeting to find a resolution path within three months. With two months having already passed, he noted that satisfactory progress has been achieved.
Chief Minister Shri Majhi extended his gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for personally taking charge of the Mahanadi issue and leading the efforts to find an amicable solution.
Senior officials, including the Chief Secretaries and top-ranking officers from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Central Water Commission, and the state governments of Odisha and Chhattisgarh, were also present at the high-level meeting.