July 24th 2025.
Bhubaneswar: Following the recent statement by Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressing his preference for an amicable resolution to the ongoing Mahanadi water dispute with neighboring state Chhattisgarh, Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik has raised some concerns. In a post on social media, Patnaik questioned whether the state government has withdrawn from pursuing the legal route in resolving the issue.
In a high-level meeting held on Wednesday, Majhi stated that due to slow progress in resolving the matter through the Central Water Commission, negotiations between both states with the support of the central government could lead to a mutually agreeable solution. This was stated in an official press release from the Chief Minister's Office. However, Patnaik's post raises questions about the nature of this mutual agreement and whether Odisha's interests are being compromised.
As a former chief minister during whose tenure the Mahanadi Water Tribunal was formed, Patnaik believes that the people of Odisha deserve answers. He has called for an all-party meeting to be convened by the state's BJP government to explain the details of the compromise being discussed or already decided upon with the BJP government in Chhattisgarh. Patnaik asserts that Mahanadi is not just a river, but the soul of Odisha and any decisions regarding its water rights must be made with transparency and accountability.
Patnaik also highlighted the chronology of events leading up to the formation of the Mahanadi Water Tribunal, which was formed after attempts at negotiations failed. He reminded that it was the consistent efforts and strong public pressure from the BJD party that eventually led to the Union cabinet approving the formation of the tribunal. However, Patnaik expresses concern that the legal battle may be losing its strength and the government has not clarified what kind of mutual compromise is being explored.
A post by the state's Advocate General Pitambar Acharya after the high-level meeting on Wednesday stated that they discussed the matter and explored possibilities for an amicable settlement as directed by the tribunal during the last hearing. This has further raised questions about the state's position on the legal route and whether Odisha's rightful claim on Mahanadi water is being diluted behind closed doors. Patnaik concludes by urging the government to provide urgent and transparent answers to these questions.
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