Bhubaneswar: The government of Odisha has taken a significant step to end a major problem affecting the state. The administration has officially formed a high-level committee. The specific goal of this group is to resolve the long-lasting dispute over the Mahanadi River water with the neighboring state of Chhattisgarh. 
Mahanadi Water Dispute: Odisha Forms High-Level Committee to End Crisis


This decision comes directly from the top leadership. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi issued the order to create this special team. The government wants to ensure that the state presents a strong case in future discussions. To lead this important mission, the government has appointed Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo as the chairman of the committee.

A Strong Team of Seven

The new panel includes seven other prominent members from the political sphere. The government selected these individuals to bring experience and authority to the table. The committee includes three Cabinet Ministers: Suresh Pujari, Prithiviraj Harichandan, and Sampad Chandra Swain.
In addition to the ministers, the team features government chief whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan. The panel also includes three Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs): Niranjan Pujari, Jayanarayan Mishra, and Sofia Firdous. By including members from different backgrounds, the government aims to create a unified front.

Why This Matters

The Mahanadi River is often called the lifeline of Odisha. It is essential for farmers who grow crops and for the millions of people who rely on it for drinking water. For many years, Odisha and Chhattisgarh have argued about how to share the river's water. Odisha claims that Chhattisgarh blocks too much water upstream. This reduces the flow into Odisha, especially during dry seasons.
The two states have held several rounds of talks in the past, but these meetings did not produce a final solution. The conflict has continued for a long time without a clear result.

Moving Toward a Solution

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) also watches this situation closely. The Tribunal recently asked both states to fix the issue in a friendly and peaceful way. This new committee shows that Odisha takes that advice seriously.
This high-level group will likely review the current situation and prepare for talks with officials from Chhattisgarh. The people of Odisha hope that this fresh effort will finally protect the river and secure water for the state’s future.