In a significant development concerning the long-standing Mahanadi river water dispute, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai has confirmed that Odisha’s proposal for an amicable settlement is currently under active consideration.
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CM Sai Responds to Odisha’s Proposal
In a letter addressed to Odisha Chief Minister Mr. Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday, Mr. Sai acknowledged receipt of a letter dated July 25, 2025, wherein the Odisha government had suggested a negotiated settlement of the dispute. “The proposal for an amicable settlement of the Mahanadi water disputes between our states is under consideration,” Mr. Sai wrote, signalling Chhattisgarh’s willingness to resolve the matter through dialogue.
Tribunal Hearing Deferred to September
Meanwhile, the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal has postponed its next hearing to September 6, as informed by Advocate General Mr. Pitambar Acharya. He mentioned that discussions at both bureaucratic and political levels have shown positive signs, with both Odisha and Chhattisgarh expressing interest in a peaceful resolution.
Odisha CM Majhi Advocates Dialogue-Based Resolution
At a high-level meeting held on July 23, Chief Minister Mr. Mohan Charan Majhi stressed the need for an early solution to the dispute. He reiterated that the issue could be settled through bilateral talks supported by the Central Government and technical input from the Central Water Commission (CWC).
History of Bilateral Engagement
Both Chief Ministers had earlier agreed, during a meeting on March 22, to seek a peaceful resolution. The meeting took place at Lok Seva Bhavan in Odisha during Mr. Sai’s visit. Additionally, the two leaders had informal discussions during a water resources conference held in Rajasthan in February 2025.
The renewed efforts by both states raise hopes for a constructive outcome to a dispute that has strained inter-state relations for years.
