Odisha government pursuing multiple options to resolve Mahanadi water dispute: Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi

Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday informed the assembly that the Odisha govt is pursuing both mutual dialogue and legal proceedings to resolve the long-standing Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh.Responding in writing to a question raised by BJD MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain, Majhi said the govt is actively engaging with the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal while continuing bilateral discussions with Chhattisgarh. “Efforts are underway at judicial, technical, administrative and political levels to address key concerns,” the CM said.Majhi added that the state has initiated several water conservation measures in the Mahanadi basin.

Plans include the construction of 17 instream storage projects and 44 barrages to enhance water retention and flow.Majhi said the govt is also addressing critical issues such as release of water from the Kalma barrage, availability during non-monsoon period, determination of environmental flow (E-Flow) and usage and allocation from the river’s upper catchment.He reiterated that the tribunal’s proceedings are ongoing and Odisha remains committed to protecting its water rights while ensuring sustainable river management.

In response to another query by Ganeswar Behera (BJD), the CM said formal discussions have taken place between Odisha and Chhattisgarh to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute. He said the dialogue was initiated through official correspondence and is now being actively pursued at multiple levels.