Mahanadi dispute not a basis for shared prosperity of Chhattisgarh-Odisha: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sahay

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sahay said that the Mahanadi is a shared lifeline of both Chhattisgarh and Odisha, its water linked to farmers' livelihoods, drinking water supply, industrial development, environmental protection and the future of coming generations. He emphasized that the Chhattisgarh government views this meeting not as a continuation of any dispute but as a new beginning for a solution, and that the atmosphere of dialogue and cooperation between the two states will form a strong basis for sustainable and practical solutions in the future. He also expressed respect for Odisha's irrigation, drinking water and Heera Kund projects, and called for equal sensitivity towards the needs of Chhattisgarh's farmers, tribal areas, drought-affected regions and future development requirements. He stated that the interests of both states are complementary, not opposing, and that any solution must not affect any party's interests. He noted that experts from both states have scientifically studied the available water quantity and various technical aspects, and now it is necessary to develop forward-looking and practical arrangements based on these technical findings. He suggested preparing a shared water management system for low-rainfall years so that no state faces difficulty, and developing a permanent institutional mechanism that periodically reviews water availability, usage and needs. He also recommended that administrative and technical issues be resolved through mutual coordination, bringing only policy-significant matters to ministerial level, which would make the decision-making process more effective, transparent and timely. He requested Union Water Power Minister Shri C.R. Patil and the Central Water Commission to provide impartial technical cooperation, prepare a time-bound work plan and draft a long-term consensus-based agreement between the two states. He said the central government's positive initiative will strengthen trust between the states and accelerate the solution process. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah for their leadership, noting that cooperative federalism and inter-state coordination have created a positive environment for resolving long-standing complex issues. He affirmed that under the guidance of the central government, both states will jointly develop a solution that ensures a safe and prosperous water future for farmers, citizens, industries, the environment and future generations. The meeting was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Shil, the Chief Minister’s principal secretary Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, senior officials of the Water Resources Department and Odisha’s Chief Secretary and senior officials of its Water Resources Department.