The Mahanadi River Dispute: Odisha and Chhattisgarh's Escalating Conflict
The longstanding dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the Mahanadi river has once again surged to the forefront of political discourse, with tensions escalating between the neighboring states. The Mahanadi, often described as Odisha's lifeline, has become the center of a complex water-sharing conflict that spans decades and involves multiple political dimensions.
Political Maneuvering and Committee Formation
In a significant development, a high-level committee comprising MLAs from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is scheduled to travel to Chhattisgarh around January 31. This committee, headed by Odisha Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo, represents a concerted effort to address the ongoing water-sharing issues through dialogue and negotiation.
The political landscape surrounding this dispute has become increasingly charged. The Biju Janata Dal has threatened to launch a pan-Odisha protest against what it describes as the inaction of both the state and central BJP governments. This threat, coupled with the last-minute cancellation of an all-party meeting scheduled for January 23, has brought renewed attention to the interstate conflict.
Historical Context of the Dispute
The core of the disagreement stems from Odisha's downstream location on the Mahanadi river, while Chhattisgarh occupies the upstream position. Odisha has consistently alleged that Chhattisgarh has unilaterally constructed barrages along the river, significantly affecting water flow into Odisha during non-monsoon periods.
The dispute reached a critical juncture in September 2016 when the Narendra Modi government attempted to mediate through a tripartite meeting. This gathering included then Chief Ministers Naveen Patnaik of Odisha and Raman Singh of Chhattisgarh, with then Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti presiding. However, the Patnaik government subsequently accused the central government of favoring Chhattisgarh, which was under BJP rule at the time.
Legal Proceedings and Tribunal Formation
The conflict entered the judicial arena in December 2016 when the BJD government filed an original suit in the Supreme Court under Article 131. This legal action sought an injunction against Chhattisgarh to prevent further construction of barrages along the Mahanadi. This move followed closely on the heels of Odisha's statutory complaint to the Centre, demanding the establishment of a tribunal under the Interstate Water Dispute Act of 1956.
In a significant development, the Supreme Court issued a directive in January 2018, instructing the Centre to form a tribunal within one month. The BJD hailed this as a moral victory that vindicated Odisha's stance. Subsequently, in March 2018, the Centre constituted a three-member Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal with former Supreme Court Justice A M Khanwilkar as chairman.
This tribunal has received multiple extensions, with the latest continuing until April 2026. Following Justice Khanwilkar's resignation in March 2024, the committee is now headed by Supreme Court Justice Bela Trivedi. Odisha's Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari has recently sought a nine-month extension for the tribunal, while criticizing previous BJD governments for positions that allegedly benefited Chhattisgarh.
Changing Political Dynamics and New Approaches
The political landscape has evolved with the formation of a new government in Odisha. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, maintaining the stance of seeking an amicable resolution, wrote to his Chhattisgarh counterpart Vishnu Deo Sai in August last year. In his communication, Majhi proposed a mutually beneficial settlement to the longstanding dispute. Sai responded positively, indicating that the proposal was under active consideration.
The Majhi-led BJP government has taken proactive steps by forming the high-level committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo. This committee, which includes representatives from multiple political parties, has been tasked with providing guidance to resolve the water-sharing issue. The planned visit to Chhattisgarh represents a tangible effort to engage in direct discussions with the neighboring state.
The Vital Importance of the Mahanadi River
The Mahanadi's significance cannot be overstated in the context of this dispute. According to official data:
- The river boasts a total catchment area of 141,600 square kilometers
- Odisha contains 45.73% of this catchment area
- Chhattisgarh encompasses 53.9% of the catchment
- A small portion extends into Madhya Pradesh
Historically, Odisha constructed the massive Hirakud Dam in 1953, a 25-kilometer earthen structure in Sambalpur district. This project was designed to control flooding while reserving water for irrigation in western Odisha and supporting power generation. Today, the Mahanadi serves as a crucial resource for agriculture, industry, and hydropower generation throughout Odisha.
Political Reactions and Future Implications
The political dimensions of this dispute continue to evolve. Following a meeting of the BJD's political affairs committee, senior leader Sanjay Das Burma announced plans for an agitation to expose what the party describes as a central government conspiracy to deprive Odisha of its rightful water share. The BJD also criticizes what it perceives as inaction by the Majhi government.
State Congress president Bhakta Charam Das has expressed skepticism about the current government's ability to resolve the water dispute, suggesting that the Majhi administration has demonstrated limitations in addressing this complex issue.
As the high-level committee prepares for its visit to Chhattisgarh and political tensions continue to simmer, the Mahanadi river dispute remains a critical issue with far-reaching implications for both states' water security, agricultural sustainability, and political relationships.
