Mahanadi Water Dispute: Technical Discussions Continue Ahead of September 28 Tribunal Hearing

Bhubaneswar, September 17, 2026: Technical discussions are continuing between Odisha and Chhattisgarh as efforts to find a mutually acceptable framework for the long-standing Mahanadi water dispute move forward. The next hearing of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal is scheduled for September 28. Technical representatives from both states have already held discussions under the Central Water Commission (CWC), with another meeting expected on September 21.

CWC-Led Technical Discussions

During the proceedings, Odisha's Advocate General Pitambar Acharya said that technical teams from both states had held two rounds of discussions under the CWC. The next meeting is expected to examine a possible framework for addressing the water-sharing issues between the two states.

Data submitted by both states regarding water availability and utilisation is also being examined. The CWC-led technical process is aimed at addressing the technical aspects of the dispute and identifying areas where the two sides may reach a common understanding.

A Long-Standing Interstate Dispute

The Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh has continued for several years. Issues relating to barrages, irrigation, industrial water use and river flows during the non-monsoon period have remained central to the disagreement. The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted in 2018 to examine the dispute.

In 2026, efforts involving the Centre have given renewed attention to discussions between the two states. Technical teams are now examining the available data and other issues as part of the ongoing process.

September 28 Hearing to Assess Further Progress

The September 28 hearing is expected to provide an opportunity to review the progress of the technical discussions. However, no final water-sharing agreement or settlement has been reached at this stage.

Odisha has maintained that its concerns regarding downstream water availability and water security need to be considered, while discussions are also focused on finding a framework acceptable to both states.

The next phase of the Mahanadi dispute will therefore depend on the outcome of the ongoing technical discussions and whether the two states are able to reach a mutually acceptable understanding.