In a significant move towards resolving a long-standing inter-state issue, Odisha's newly formed high-level committee held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday to address the Mahanadi river water-sharing dispute with neighbouring Chhattisgarh. The meeting, presided over by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, marked the first official step by the eight-member panel tasked with finding a solution to this critical matter.
Committee's Confident Start and Government Briefing
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo expressed optimism about reaching an amicable resolution. He revealed that during the session, members were thoroughly briefed on the Odisha state government's official position regarding the dispute. The briefing also covered the various steps undertaken so far in the ongoing discussions and the parallel proceedings before the relevant tribunal.
"I am confident we will be able to resolve the issue soon," Singh Deo stated, outlining the committee's immediate plan. He confirmed that all pertinent documents related to the case would be circulated among the committee members ahead of their next scheduled meeting, ensuring everyone is fully informed.
Diverse Views Emerge Within the Panel
The committee, which includes legislators from different political parties, saw a variety of perspectives surface during the discussions. BJD MLA and panel member Niranjan Pujari advocated for a broader consultative approach. He called for an all-party meeting and wider discussions with all stakeholders involved in the issue.
Pujari also injected a note of caution, drawing from historical precedent. He pointed out that past river water disputes in India have typically been settled through tribunals rather than direct negotiations. He emphasised the need to protect the progress already made in the tribunal process, stating, "The government must ensure that the progress achieved before the Tribunal is not lost."
Focus on Public Interest and River Health
Adding another dimension to the dialogue, Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, who is also part of the high-level committee, stressed that the core of any decision must be public welfare and the ecological health of the Mahanadi river. She acknowledged the important role of the tribunal while also recognising the potential of the committee.
"While the Tribunal has its own place, this committee can also play a constructive role," Firdous remarked, highlighting the complementary nature of the two avenues being pursued to secure Odisha's interests in the water-sharing arrangement.
The Path Forward for Odisha and Chhattisgarh
The formation of this committee and its first meeting signal the Odisha government's active pursuit of a dual-track strategy—engaging in committee-led discussions while continuing with formal tribunal proceedings. The Mahanadi, a major east-flowing river, is a vital water source for both states, making its equitable sharing a matter of substantial economic and environmental importance.
The next steps involve a detailed study of the shared documents by committee members, followed by subsequent meetings where concrete strategies are expected to be formulated. The state government's assertion of seeking an amicable settlement indicates a preference for dialogue, albeit while preparing for all legal avenues to protect the state's water rights.
