New Delhi, October 1 (Daily Kiran) : Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to convene a crucial meeting on Thursday with the Chief Ministers of Odisha and Chhattisgarh to accelerate the resolution of the ongoing Mahanadi water dispute. This meeting aims to facilitate discussions on the equitable distribution of the river’s water between the two states.
The meeting follows a recent encounter between Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on September 20 in Bhubaneswar. Baghel expressed optimism after the meeting, stating that there are no significant issues regarding the river’s water and that he believes a resolution will be reached soon.
Upon arriving in Bhubaneswar, Baghel reassured the media, saying, “There is no dispute over Mahanadi water. Since both Chhattisgarh and Odisha are governed by the BJP at both the state and central levels, this matter will be resolved quickly. Many long-standing inter-state river water disputes are also being settled through mutual agreement. Therefore, the Mahanadi water dispute will also be resolved soon.”
He further mentioned that both Chief Ministers, along with senior officials from their respective states, had recently met in New Delhi and agreed to involve the Central Water Commission to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute through dialogue.
The Mahanadi water dispute has been a longstanding issue between Odisha and Chhattisgarh since 2016. Odisha alleges that Chhattisgarh’s unilateral construction of at least eight barrages has reduced water flow downstream, adversely affecting agriculture, fisheries, and power generation. Odisha views the Mahanadi as its lifeline for these essential activities.
Additionally, Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik shared on the social media platform X about his meeting with Baghel, stating, “It was a pleasure to welcome Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel to my residence. We had meaningful discussions to strengthen cooperation between Odisha and Chhattisgarh and advance our shared commitment to the development and welfare of our people.”
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