In a significant development regarding the protracted Mahanadi water-sharing conflict, the states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh have formally notified the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal that they are actively engaged in discussions at multiple levels to explore a mutually acceptable resolution. This crucial update was conveyed to the Indian Parliament on Thursday by the central government.
Parliamentary Disclosure on Tribunal Proceedings
Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Raj Bhushan Choudhary, provided this information through a written reply to a question posed by Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit in the Lok Sabha. The minister detailed that the tribunal has conducted a total of 49 hearings to date, with the current phase involving the cross-examination of witnesses. During recent sessions, both state governments submitted statements indicating their involvement in talks aimed at considering a mutual settlement to end the dispute amicably.
Status of Tribunal Report and Extended Timeline
Choudhary clarified that the tribunal has not yet submitted its final report to the central government, and the matter remains under active adjudication. Notably, on June 21, 2023, the Centre granted a two-year extension for the submission of the tribunal's report and decision. The original deadline of April 14, 2024, has been pushed to April 13, 2026, or until the report is submitted, whichever occurs earlier.
Key Issues Under Adjudication
The ongoing tribunal proceedings have successfully finalized several critical issues for adjudication. These include the contentious construction of six industrial barrages in the Mahanadi basin by Chhattisgarh and the subsequent impact of these alleged constructions on downstream water flows in Odisha. These points are central to the dispute, highlighting the environmental and resource concerns at stake.
The pursuit of a mutual settlement marks a potential turning point in this long-pending water-sharing dispute, which has significant implications for regional water security and inter-state relations. Both states' willingness to engage in dialogue suggests a collaborative approach to resolving this complex issue, even as the tribunal continues its formal proceedings.
