Bhubaneswar, Sept 22 [UDN}:Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai arrived in Bhubaneswar on Monday for a two-day visit to Odisha. His visit is expected to focus on discussions concerning matters of mutual interest between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, with the long-pending Mahanadi water dispute likely to be among the key issues that may come up for discussion.
Sai’s arrival in the Odisha capital assumes significance as the two neighbouring states share the Mahanadi river system, which is crucial for agriculture, drinking water, irrigation and other developmental requirements in both states. The Mahanadi water-sharing issue has remained a subject of discussion between Odisha and Chhattisgarh for several years.
During his two-day stay in Odisha, the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister is expected to hold meetings with senior leaders and officials and discuss issues concerning inter-state cooperation and development. The visit may provide an opportunity for both sides to deliberate on matters requiring coordination between the neighbouring states.
The Mahanadi dispute, in particular, has been a major inter-state water issue, with Odisha and Chhattisgarh holding differing positions over the utilisation and management of the river’s water. Any discussion on the matter during Sai’s visit could therefore attract considerable attention in Odisha.
The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister’s visit also comes against the backdrop of continuing efforts by the two states to address issues of shared interest through dialogue and institutional mechanisms.