Bhubaneswar, Odisha : The 44th hearing of the Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal is scheduled to take place today, marking the second round of proceedings since the formation of the new Odisha government. The prolonged dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over Mahanadi river water sharing may witness significant developments, as a high-level secretarial discussion is also set to be held.
In the previous hearing on July 17, Chief Ministers of both states—Odisha and Chhattisgarh—were directly involved in the deliberations. Advocate General Pitambar Acharya informed that today’s session could yield some concrete outcomes. In anticipation, intellectuals, social activists, and political leaders convened under the banner of Mahanadi Bachao Andolan, discussing possible amicable solutions to the dispute. A report from this consultative meeting will be submitted to the state government.
Despite the state’s claim that dialogue-based resolutions were being pursued post the last hearing, critics argue that resolving the issue solely through negotiation remains highly complex. Opposition leaders have demanded clarity from the government on whether it intends to continue with out-of-court settlements or press forward with legal proceedings.
Mahanadi is often referred to as the lifeline of Odisha, supporting the livelihoods of over 2.5 crore people. The dispute dates back to 2017, when Chhattisgarh allegedly constructed illegal barrages upstream without Odisha’s consent. A series of ongoing projects by Chhattisgarh on Mahanadi and its tributaries have reportedly impacted the water flow into Odisha, preventing the state from receiving its rightful share.
In contrast, Odisha has not constructed even a single barrage over the past eight years, with most initiatives limited to announcements and symbolic protests. Union Jal Shakti Minister Chittaranjan Patil, during his recent visit to Odisha, assured that a swift resolution would be ensured and that the Tribunal would take expedited steps in this regard.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has already held two rounds of discussions with his Chhattisgarh counterpart in a bid to defuse the tensions. However, despite the ongoing dispute, Chhattisgarh continues to sanction new upstream projects.
As today’s tribunal hearing unfolds, all eyes are on what data and arguments the Odisha government will present and what stance it will adopt. Will it push for a negotiated settlement, or prepare for a more assertive legal battle? The outcome could determine the future of a river that sustains millions.
