Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai visits Odisha to discuss Mahanadi water dispute

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has arrived in Bhubaneswar for a two-day official visit to Odisha to discuss the long-standing Mahanadi river water-sharing dispute with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Sai expressed optimism that the dispute will be resolved soon, noting that both states have consented to abide by the decision of the Central Water Commission (CWC). He highlighted that the presence of BJP governments in both states and an NDA government at the Centre may facilitate an amicable resolution. The meeting occurs ahead of a scheduled hearing by the Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal on September 28.

The dispute has persisted for over a decade, with Odisha alleging that upstream barrages and projects in Chhattisgarh adversely affect water flow during non-monsoon seasons. Chhattisgarh maintains it only utilizes its rightful share and has accused Odisha of failing to utilize available water. In addition to high-level talks, Sai's itinerary includes visits to the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar and the Jagannath Temple in Puri.