Even as a swelling Mahanadi threatens to inundate large parts of Odisha due to torrential rains, there comes some good news on the vexed, long-running dispute over sharing of the river’s water between Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has said the dispute will be resolved by Diwali, which means in the next three months.
With five districts facing flood conditions, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged citizens to remain calm, assuring that their safety is the government’s foremost priority. He promised immediate compensation for those whose homes and crops have been damaged.
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In a social media post, Majhi said: “We stand with you at every step. Please follow the administration’s instructions and stay safe.” He confirmed that district authorities have been directed to safeguard residents in affected areas and that he is personally monitoring the situation along major rivers in consultation with the chief secretary and the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC).
Three senior IAS officers have been assigned to oversee flood management, evacuation, and relief operations in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur. The SRC office and the State Emergency Control Room will function round‑the‑clock to track water levels and coordinate response.
Majhi stated that the NDRF, ODRAF, Fire Services, and police are fully prepared to evacuate people from low‑lying areas. Relief camps have been stocked with clean drinking water, cooked food, medical support, anti‑venom medicines, and fodder for livestock. Night patrolling has been intensified to protect property in evacuated zones. “Night patrolling by police has been intensified to ensure safety of homes and property of citizens who have moved to relief camps. Directions have been issued for immediate compensation to affected people for damaged houses and crop loss due to floods,” the CM said.
“We are committed to finding a permanent, fair, and satisfactory solution to the Mahanadi water issue through constructive discussions, mutual cooperation, and a friendly approach between the two states,” Majhi said in a post on X.
“The SRC office and State Emergency Control Room have been directed to remain open 24×7 for close monitoring of water levels and the emerging situation,” Majhi emphasized.
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The Chief Minister reiterated that the administration is committed to ensuring safety, swift relief, and timely compensation for all affected families. 
