Bhubaneswar, June 27: The tribunal adjudicating the long-standing Mahanadi water-sharing dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh on Saturday reviewed the progress made in resolving key contentious issues, with the next hearing scheduled for July 11.
Officials said both states have reached a consensus on several aspects of the dispute following multiple rounds of discussions. During the hearing, the tribunal assessed the status of the remaining unresolved issues, particularly those related to the allocation and sharing of river water.
Ahead of the next hearing, a meeting of senior officials from both states will be held to further bridge the differences. The technical committee constituted to facilitate the resolution has so far conducted 20 meetings, focusing on assessing the water requirements of Odisha and Chhattisgarh and reconciling data related to water storage and utilisation.
The tribunal is expected to play a crucial role in helping both states arrive at a consensus-based settlement of the dispute.
Odisha was represented by Advocate General Pitambar Acharya, while Chhattisgarh was represented by Advocate General Vivek Sharma during the proceedings.
Acharya said significant progress has been made after seven rounds of discussions.
"Several issues have already been resolved through consensus. The primary dispute over water sharing, including the assessment of both states' water requirements and the quantity of water being stored, is being reconciled. The matter is steadily moving towards a mutually acceptable solution. The next hearing has been fixed for July 11," he said.
