Bhubaneswar, Dec 10: In a significant step toward resolving the long-pending Mahanadi water dispute, the Odisha government has set up a high-level committee to initiate constructive dialogue with neighbouring Chhattisgarh. The committee has been constituted under the direction of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, signalling the government’s commitment to finding a long-term solution to the inter-state water conflict.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo will chair the seven-member committee, which includes senior ministers Suresh Pujari, Prithiviraj Harichandan, and Sampad Chandra Swain. Government Chief Whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan and MLAs Niranjan Pujari, Jayanarayan Mishra, and Sofia Firdous have also been appointed as members. Their combined administrative and legislative experience is expected to strengthen Odisha’s position during negotiations.

The Mahanadi water dispute has been a persistent point of contention, with Odisha alleging that upstream projects in Chhattisgarh have affected its water flow. Over the years, multiple rounds of discussions have taken place, and the National Green Tribunal has repeatedly urged both states to settle the issue amicably.

The newly formed committee is expected to prepare a comprehensive strategy, assess current water utilisation patterns, and engage with Chhattisgarh to ensure equitable sharing of the Mahanadi’s resources. The initiative marks a renewed push toward safeguarding Odisha’s water interests while fostering cooperative federalism.

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