Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo announced that the longstanding Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh will be settled through negotiations. A committee, including key officials, convened for the first time to address the issue, with a virtual presence from senior leader Jayanarayana Mishra.
Singh Deo highlighted that both states’ positions on the inter-state river water dispute were thoroughly discussed during the committee meeting. The resolution process will prioritize an amicable settlement while ensuring Odisha’s interests are fully protected.
The high-level committee’s primary objective is to develop a comprehensive strategy to safeguard Odisha’s rights over the Mahanadi River waters, aiming for a mutually agreeable solution with Chhattisgarh. Additionally, senior BJD leader Niranjan Pujari urged for an all-party meeting to involve all stakeholders and disclose the government’s planned actions for resolving the dispute peacefully.
Congress leader Sofia Firdous, a member of the High-Level Committee on the Mahanadi Water Dispute, stressed the importance of bipartisan cooperation in such matters. The initial meeting facilitated a better understanding of various stakeholders’ perspectives, scientific assessments, and legal positions, laying the groundwork for future steps in the process. Firdous emphasized the need for evidence-based decisions that prioritize public interest and protect the rights of Odisha’s residents.
