Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, Odisha and Chhattisgarh have agreed to work towards an amicable settlement of the long-standing Mahanadi river water-sharing dispute. Taking note of their recent correspondence and statements, the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal has granted additional time to both States for negotiations.
During a hearing held on Saturday, Odisha Advocate General Pitambar Acharya informed the tribunal that both states have begun exploring an amicable resolution to the dispute, with progress made in discussions at both the chief secretary and political levels. Acharya expressed optimism that a breakthrough is possible if the matter is approached with a “positive mindset” by the chief ministers of both states.
The tribunal, headed by chairperson Justice Bela M. Trivedi, directed the secretaries concerned of the respective states to remain present before the tribunal on the next date of hearing, September 6, and apprise it about the progress of settlement talks between the two states.
