EFFORTS to resolve the longpending Mahanadi water dispute between Chhattisgarh and Odisha received a fresh push on Thursday, with Chief Ministers Vishnu Deo Sai and Mohan Charan Majhi presenting their respective States’ positions at a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah at Kartavya Bhawan in Delhi. Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, Central Water Commission (CWC) Chairman, Chief Secretaries of both States and senior officials of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, CWC and the two State Governments attended the meeting. The meeting followed discussions between Sai and Majhi in July under the chairmanship of the Jal Shakti Minister, when both States agreed to continue technical-level deliberations towards an amicable settlement. Sai called for a ‘win-win’ solution based on fairness, scientific assessment, transparency and long-term sustainability, while protecting the interests of farmers and people in both States. He pointed out that the Mahanadi originates in Chhattisgarh and more than half of its catchment area lies in State. He said that the water needs of Chhattisgarh’s farmers, irrigation sector and tribal areas should be duly considered.

 

At the same time, Sai assured Odisha of Chhattisgarh’s cooperation in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Hirakud Dam, which he described as vital to the neighbouring State. Emphasising the close social, cultural and historical ties between Chhattisgarh and Odisha, Sai said the Mahanadi should become a bridge of cooperation and development rather than a source of conflict. Referring to recent progress in resolving water disputes involving Haryana-Rajasthan, the Narmada basin and Bihar-Jharkhand, he said political will, dialogue and cooperative federalism could help settle even complex inter-State disputes. Sai also appreciated Shah’s initiative, invoking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s legacy of national integration. He said the spirit of consensus that helped integrate the country could also guide efforts to resolve inter-State disputes. He expressed confidence in the mediation efforts of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the CWC’s scientific and transparent assessment, and assured that Chhattisgarh would cooperate with the process and approach any mutually agreed outcome positively. Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh and Water Resources Department Secretary Rajesh Sukumar Toppo attended the meeting.