A meeting was held between Chhattisgarh and Odisha in New Delhi on the initiative of Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri CR Patil. An important initiative was taken today at Shram Shakti Bhawan in New Delhi towards an amicable and lasting solution to issues related to Mahanadi water sharing. A meeting regarding the Mahanadi water dispute between Chhattisgarh and Odisha was held under the chairmanship of Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri CR Patil. The meeting was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Tokhan Sahu, along with senior administrative and technical officials from both states. At the meeting, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that the Mahanadi River is a shared lifeline for both Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Its waters are linked to farmers’ livelihoods, drinking water, industrial development, environmental protection, and the future of future generations. Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the Chhattisgarh government views this meeting not as a continuation of a dispute, but as a new beginning toward a solution. He added that the atmosphere of dialogue and cooperation created between the two states will provide a strong foundation for a lasting and practical solution in the future. Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the Chhattisgarh government fully respects Odisha’s irrigation, drinking water, and Hirakud project needs. Similarly, Chhattisgarh’s farmers, tribal areas, drought-affected regions, and the state’s future development needs should be addressed with equal sensitivity. He emphasized that the interests of both states are not in conflict but complementary, and the solution should be such that the interests of neither party are affected. Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that experts from both states have conducted scientific studies of the available water quantity and various technical aspects related to it. Now, the need is to develop a forward-looking and practical system based on these technical findings. He suggested developing a shared water management system for low rainfall years, so that no state faces difficulties. Furthermore, a permanent institutional mechanism should be developed to periodically review water availability, use, and requirements, keeping future needs in mind. The Chief Minister also suggested that maximum issues be resolved through mutual coordination at the administrative and technical levels, and that only matters of policy importance be brought to the ministerial level for consideration. He said this would make the decision-making process more effective, transparent, and timely. Chief Minister Shri Sai urged Union Water Power Minister Shri CR Patil and the Central Water Commission to play an active role in providing impartial technical assistance, developing a time-bound action plan, and drafting a long-term consensus-based agreement between the two states. He said that the central government’s positive initiative would further strengthen trust between the two states and accelerate the resolution process. Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai expressed gratitude to the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, saying that the spirit of cooperative federalism and coordination between the states has created a positive environment for resolving complex issues that have been pending for years. He said that under the guidance of the central government, both states will jointly develop solutions that will ensure a secure and prosperous water future for farmers, citizens, industries, the environment, and future generations. Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh Shri Vikassheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, senior officers of the Water Resources Department and Chief Secretary of Odisha Government and senior officers of the Water Resources Department were present in the meeting. Post navigation ‘Disagreement is democratic, mockery is not’:215 Vice Chancellors, academicians write to Priyanka, object to ‘cow urine expert’ remark on Prof Kamakoti A major step towards strengthening rail connectivity from Bastar to Surguja in Chhattisgarh.
