Chhattisgarh CM regional activities and Odisha visit

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has engaged in several regional administrative and diplomatic activities. Initially, the Chief Minister focused on domestic development in the Bemetara district, where he was scheduled to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for 30 projects valued at approximately 183.36 crore rupees.

Following these local initiatives, Sai transitioned to interstate relations with a two-day visit to Odisha. The visit included meetings with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to discuss the long-standing Mahanadi river water-sharing dispute. Sai expressed optimism regarding an amicable resolution, noting that both states have consented to abide by the decision of the Central Water Commission (CWC). He suggested that the presence of BJP governments in both states, alongside an NDA government at the Centre, may facilitate progress. This meeting occurs ahead of a scheduled hearing by the Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal on September 28.

The dispute has persisted for over a decade; Odisha alleges that upstream projects in Chhattisgarh adversely affect water flow, while Chhattisgarh maintains it only utilizes its rightful share and has accused Odisha of failing to utilize available water. During his stay, Sai also visited the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar and the Jagannath Temple in Puri to pray for the prosperity of Chhattisgarh.