Bhubaneswar: Fresh efforts are being made to resolve the long-standing Mahanadi water dispute, while protecting Odisha’s interests through an amicable settlement with Chhattisgarh state, informed Odisha Advocate General Pitambar Acharya today. 

A detailed report assessing the total water availability in the Mahanadi river has been submitted ahead of any decision on water sharing. The report has been prepared after extensive deliberations, with engineers from both states holding as many as 15 meetings for the compilation of the data-driven assessment.

Acharya further stated water disputes across the country have rarely been fully resolved through tribunals alone. Instead, mutual understanding and negotiation have been identified as the most effective way forward.

He added while certain compromises may be necessary during negotiations, Odisha’s core interests will not be compromised under any circumstances.

To serve the political interests, some stakeholders had earlier rejected the Centre’s proposal for a negotiated settlement and opted to knock the doors of the courts. However, judicial proceedings over the past seven years reportedly saw little progress in resolving the issue, the Advocate General stated.

In a positive turn, the tribunal has now accepted proposals from both states and expressed its willingness to facilitate a resolution through mutual agreement, raising hopes for a breakthrough in the dispute.