February 20th 2025.
In a recent session of the state assembly, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi shared updates on the plans for sustainable water development in the state. He informed the members that a total of 16 dam and 15 barrage projects have been proposed to ensure equitable distribution of Mahanadi river waters. This is a crucial step in the interest of the state and its people.
The chief minister was responding to a question posed by BJD legislator Ranendra Pratap Swain. He explained that the uncontrolled usage of Mahanadi water in the upper catchment area of Chhattisgarh has resulted in a gradual decrease in the water flow to downstream Odisha. This has been observed at the Hirakud dam site, which is situated near the interstate border of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. To address this issue, the state government has approached the Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal and presented its case through various pleadings. However, since the matter is currently sub-judice, any further developments will have to wait for the tribunal's decision.
In addition to the proposed dams and barrages, the government is also considering the construction of 41 in-stream storage structures on Mahanadi river. This was shared by Majhi in another written statement to the House. The issue was initially raised by BJD deputy leader Prasanna Acharya during the Question Hour. He highlighted the fact that the Chhattisgarh government has already built 8 or 9 barrages in the upper basin area of Mahanadi river. This has significantly reduced the water flow in the river at its starting point in Odisha, especially during the summer months.
Acharya further mentioned that the previous BJD government had already planned to build in-stream storage projects on the river and had even called for tenders. However, there were reports of the tenders being canceled. In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling, on behalf of the CM, clarified that the current BJP government has only been in power for eight months and it is not possible to construct a dam in such a short period of time. He also assured that the matter of tender cancellation will be looked into.
It is worth noting that Odisha has been facing a shortage of water from Mahanadi river, particularly during non-monsoon months. The state has accused Chhattisgarh of obstructing the flow of water by constructing barrages upstream. In 2016, the previous Naveen Patnaik-led government had approached the Supreme Court on this matter. Subsequently, in 2018, the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal was formed as per the orders of the Supreme Court. Currently, the matter is being heard by the tribunal and the state is hopeful for a fair resolution.
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