Joint body to decide on Mahanadi issue between CG, Odisha

A joint control body is likely to be constituted to discuss various issues relating to Mahanadi river and its tributaries between Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
The matter was discussed today during a meeting of Central Water Commission here attended by the officials of both the state governments and Centre.
In the meeting, the two states have agreed to share information regarding projects set up on Mahanadi river in their jurisdiction.
"Chhattisgarh has agreed to constitute a joint control board to discuss issues related to Mahanadi and its tributaries between Odisha and Chhattisgarh," a press release issued by the state government said.

As per the directions of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and State Water Resources Minister Brijmohan Agrawal, Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand today gave the state's approval on constituting a joint board, it said.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary of Odisha A P Padhi said that he will confirm setting up of the board after discussing the matter with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, it said.

Union Water Resources Ministry's Additional Secretary Amarjeet Singh presided over the meeting.
Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary said that the state has always abided by the inter-state river water sharing norms and has used limited Mahanadi water without hurting Odisha's interest.

Dhand said that Chhattisgarh will provide maximum information today and the rest will be provided to the ministry within 15 days. He urged the officials of Odisha to provide information regarding use of Mahanadi water and projects operational on the river there.
Dhand said that Odisha and Chhattisgarh are neighbouring states with common interest and detailed information by both the states regarding the Mahanadi issue will definitely help in solving the matter, the release said.
The Chief Secretary also drew the meeting's attention towards the agreement made between the then Chief Minister of the erstwhile undivided state of Madhya Pradesh Arjun Singh and the then Chief Minister of Odisha J B Patnaik in April, 1983 to constitute a joint control board to resolve the issues between the two states relating to survey, investigation, execution or any other issues.

But this board has not been constituted so far. He said that Chhattisgarh will always support constituting such a joint board.