Odisha political parties unite to resolve Mahanadi water dispute

Political parties in Odisha, irrespective of their affiliations, have unanimously decided to approach the Centre for the formation of the Mahanadi River Board under Article 165 of the Constitution to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh.

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The move aims to protect the Mahanadi River and its tributaries, which serve as the lifeline of the state. In a round table meeting organized under the aegis of the Mahanadi Bachao Andolan held yesterday, leaders from across party lines resolved to launch a mass movement for the protection and conservation of the river. It was decided that a collaborative meeting involving social organizations, river movement activists, and subject experts would be organized to find a resolution to the ongoing Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh. Participants also proposed a symbolic river walk from Satkosia, where the Mahanadi enters Odisha to Paradip to raise awareness and unite public sentiment. All stakeholders welcomed the proposal for a dialogue-based resolution of the dispute. They urged the state government to convene a meeting of all political parties, river experts, activists, and intellectuals to build consensu