Why in news?
Odisha and Chhattisgarh indicated in July 2025 that they were moving towards an out‑of‑court settlement of the long‑running dispute over sharing the Mahanadi River’s waters. The willingness to negotiate marks a shift from years of litigation before the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal.
About the Mahanadi
The Mahanadi is one of the major east‑flowing rivers of peninsular India, originating near Pharsiya in Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari district. It flows for roughly 900 kilometres through Chhattisgarh and Odisha before forming a broad delta along with the Brahmani River and emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river’s basin covers about 132,000 square kilometres and includes important tributaries such as the Seonath, Hasdeo, Mand and Ib on the left bank and the Ong, Tel and Jonk on the right.
Key features
- Hirakud Dam: Located near Sambalpur, Hirakud is among the world’s longest earthen dams. It provides flood control, irrigation and hydro‑electric power.
- Satkosia Gorge: A narrow, scenic stretch of the river that supports rich biodiversity and is designated as a tiger reserve.
- Biodiversity hotspot: The lower Mahanadi delta hosts mangroves, estuarine fisheries and migratory birds, making it environmentally significant.
Why the settlement matters
Moving from litigation to negotiation signals a mature approach to inter‑state water disputes. A joint committee under the Central Water Commission is expected to facilitate the talks, which could lead to more flexible water‑sharing arrangements that consider ecological flows, livelihoods and flood control. A successful agreement could provide a model for resolving other river disputes in India.