Union Home Minister Amit Shah leads high-level talks to solve Mahanadi water dispute

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting in Delhi to help resolve the decade-long Mahanadi water dispute between Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

The Meeting

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the talks alongside Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil and the chairman of the Central Water Commission. Senior officials from the ministry and both state governments were also present.

Stances and Demands

Sai called for a fair and sustainable resolution based on science, transparency and talks. He pointed out that the Mahanadi river begins in Chhattisgarh and that over half of its catchment area lies inside the state. He stressed that any settlement must protect the water needs of local farmers, irrigation networks and tribal regions. At the same time, Sai promised support for the smooth operation of the Hirakud Dam in Odisha and noted the deep cultural and historical ties between the two neighbours.

Background

Odisha has long objected to upstream barrages built by Chhattisgarh, arguing that these structures reduce water flow downstream during dry months. The dispute previously went before the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal before moving to the Central Water Commission for technical evaluation.

Context

Interstate water disputes in India often arise when rivers flow across multiple state boundaries, leading to competing demands for agriculture, drinking water, and industrial use. Resolving such conflicts typically requires balancing upstream development needs with downstream ecological and livelihood requirements through technical assessments.