Has Odisha Formed a Panel Led by the Deputy CM to Address the Mahanadi Water Dispute?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Odisha government has formed a high-level committee chaired by Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo to navigate the complexities of the Mahanadi water dispute. This initiative aims to streamline efforts in addressing critical water-sharing issues impacting the region.
Key Takeaways
- The Odisha government has formed a high-level committee to address the Mahanadi water dispute.
- Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo leads the committee.
- The committee includes key ministers and representatives from multiple political parties.
- Efforts to resolve the dispute have been ongoing for over 18 months.
- Recent meetings have been conducted to facilitate dialogue between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 10 (NationPress) In light of the continuing deliberations and legal proceedings concerning the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal, and acknowledging the intricate and sensitive nature of the river water issues, the state government’s Water Resources Department has established a high-level committee chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, as disclosed in a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Wednesday.
This committee, created under the guidance of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, will scrutinize all pertinent elements of the Mahanadi water issue and offer essential policy-level direction for the ongoing technical and administrative initiatives the state government is pursuing.
In addition to Chairman Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, the committee includes State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Industry Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, Government Chief Whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan, BJD MLA and former Minister Niranjan Pujari, BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, and Congress MLA Sofia Firdous.
Recently, the Chief Minister informed the Odisha Assembly that for the last 18 months, the government has been striving diligently—both through judicial channels and dialogue—to resolve the Mahanadi water-sharing conflict, as the river is deemed the lifeline of Odisha.
The government also apprised Assembly members that the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) of Odisha and Chhattisgarh was scheduled to convene on December 5, progressing the endeavor of both neighboring states to amicably settle the protracted Mahanadi water dispute.
It was also revealed that CM Majhi had informal discussions with his Chhattisgarh counterpart, Vishnu Deo Sai, regarding this matter. The issue was subsequently addressed during the Eastern Zonal Council Conference, led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, where both Chief Ministers continued their talks.
An important meeting at the Chief Secretary (CS) level was also conducted in Delhi on August 30, where the Chief Secretaries of both Odisha and Chhattisgarh engaged in comprehensive discussions regarding this long-standing issue.
Since the CS-level meeting in Delhi, six JTC meetings have transpired, reviewing technical details, water-flow data, and associated aspects. Furthermore, the Chief Secretaries of both states reconvened on November 10 this year to advance the discussions. In addition to the JTC meetings, the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal is set to hold its next hearing on December 20.
Point of View
The establishment of this committee reflects Odisha’s commitment to resolving the Mahanadi water dispute amicably. The collaborative approach with neighboring states underlines the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing regional water-sharing challenges, ensuring that the needs of all stakeholders are respected.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the newly formed committee in Odisha?
The committee aims to guide the state government in addressing and resolving the complex Mahanadi water dispute through policy-level recommendations and technical assessments.
Who chairs the committee formed by the Odisha government?
The committee is chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.
How long has the Mahanadi water dispute been ongoing?
The dispute has been ongoing for over a year and a half, with the state government actively seeking solutions through judicial and dialogue efforts.
What other members are included in the committee?
The committee includes various ministers from the Odisha government, including Suresh Pujari, Prithiviraj Harichandan, Sampad Chandra Swain, and others from different political parties.
What recent meetings have occurred regarding the Mahanadi water dispute?
Recent meetings include the Joint Technical Committee's meetings and discussions between the Chief Secretaries of Odisha and Chhattisgarh to facilitate resolution.
