Bhubaneswar: The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal has directed the Central Water Commission and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, to mediate in the long-standing Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
The tribunal has ordered the formation of a joint committee for this purpose. The committee will include technical team members from both Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Both states have been asked to prepare a draft in this regard and submit it to the tribunal, Advocate General (AG) Pitambar Acharya informed.
Presenting details before the tribunal today, the AG said the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister had replied on Wednesday to the letter sent by the Odisha government on July 25, 2025. A copy of that letter was also placed before the tribunal.
The tribunal appreciated the meeting and efforts held between the two states to resolve the Mahanadi water issue. The AG said that the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister’s agreement to the Odisha Chief Minister’s proposal is a welcome step.
“The positive thinking of both the Chief Ministers will pave the way for a quick resolution of the Mahanadi water dispute,” the AG said.
The tribunal also appreciated the steps taken by both governments to resolve the long-standing dispute through amicable negotiations. The next hearing of the case will be held on August 21.
