​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, April 25: BJD Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra has written to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, calling for swift action following the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal’s dissatisfaction with the slow progress in the ongoing river water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

In his letter dated April 25, 2026, Dr. Patra highlighted the Tribunal’s order, issued on April 20, 2026, which expressed serious concerns over the pace of the proceedings. He stressed that this development could harm Odisha’s interests if not addressed promptly.

Dr. Patra attached the Tribunal’s order to his letter and urged the Chief Minister to convene an immediate meeting of senior officials from the Water Resources Department, the Law Department, and other relevant departments to finalize Odisha’s position on the matter.

The BJD MP noted that the Tribunal had moved past procedural issues and was now delving into substantive matters. He pointed out the Tribunal’s dissatisfaction with the repeated adjournments requested by the parties involved, highlighting the lack of meaningful progress. Despite assurances given on April 11, 2026, regarding the crucial issue of annual water availability in Million Acre Feet (MAF), the Minutes of the meeting held on April 8, 2026, remained unresolved.

The Tribunal's order, dated April 20, 2026, stated: "We are not very happy with the manner in which the proceedings of these references are being conducted. The proceedings are being adjourned at the request of the learned advocates for the parties, as they are seriously considering the issues for settlement. However, we are constrained to observe that so far no concrete proposal for settlement on any of the disputed issues has been placed on record. In the larger public interest of both states, we give one last opportunity to both parties to finalize the Minutes of the meeting held on 08.04.2026 regarding the issue of Annual Water Availability by the next date. If they are unable to finalize the same or present any consensus on any of the issues, the Tribunal shall proceed with the proceedings on merits."

According to Dr. Patra, determining annual water availability is critical for water allocation, utilization rights, and the protection of downstream interests in Odisha. Any delays or uncertainties in this foundational issue could weaken the state’s technical and evidentiary position before the Tribunal.

He also pointed out that no concrete proposals for settlement on the disputed issues have been submitted, a fact which the Tribunal has interpreted as a lack of seriousness in addressing the matter. The Tribunal has given both Odisha and Chhattisgarh a final chance to finalize the Minutes of the April 8 meeting on water availability and to submit any proposals or agreements on disputed issues before the next hearing on May 2, 2026, at 11 AM.

The Tribunal has made it clear that failure to meet these conditions will result in the case proceeding on its merits, significantly reducing the chances for a negotiated settlement.