The Mahanadi water dispute between Chhattisgarh and Odisha pushed the latter into a state of severe water scarcity. Chhattisgarh’s noncompliance with riparian rights and territorialized monopolistic approach in the management and governance of the Mahanadi water resource has put the soil and river ecology under threat. Despite the call for judicial intervention and a constitutional role, no viable solution has been brought about to end the asymmetric access to the Mahanadi water between the upstream and downstream states. Although the scant flow of water in the downstream state of Odisha clearly poses a threat to the land–water–food–life nexus, which is undoubtedly detrimental to the national economy, the flow of water is determined by political power. Water disputes have become part of the political agenda in both states. As a result, the ecological side of the river is largely neglected and less discussed, yet claiming the right over the river has become the dominant subject matter for retaining the pride of the state and the ruling political party. As a result, the conflict is perpetuated. This present paper intends to foreground and examine the factors responsible for interstate water disputes and will explain how eco-ethical solutions can address political issues related to Mahanadi water and mitigate river and soil ecology crises.