New Delhi, June 16: In a step towards resolving the long-standing Mahanadi water-sharing dispute, Odisha and Chhattisgarh will commence an intensive 11-day round of discussions in New Delhi as directed by the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal.
The high-level deliberations, scheduled from June 16 to June 26, will focus on several contentious issues related to the management, utilization, and equitable sharing of the Mahanadi river waters between the two neighbouring states. Senior officials, technical experts, legal representatives, and water resource specialists from both states are participating in the negotiations.
The discussions come after both Odisha and Chhattisgarh requested additional time for detailed consultations on technical and legal aspects of the dispute, said sources.
Odisha Advocate General Pitambar Acharya had earlier informed the Tribunal that dedicated teams from both states would engage in comprehensive deliberations to explore possible areas of consensus.
Sources indicate that the meetings will examine water availability, river basin management, the impact of upstream projects, data sharing mechanisms, and future water requirements of both states. If necessary, experts from the Central Water Commission (CWC) will be invited to provide technical assistance and facilitate discussions.
The outcome of the deliberations will be jointly reported to the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal, which is overseeing the adjudication process. The Tribunal is expected to review the progress made during the discussions at the next hearing scheduled for June 27.
The Mahanadi river, one of eastern India's major river systems, originates in Chhattisgarh and flows through Odisha before draining into the Bay of Bengal. The dispute emerged after Odisha raised concerns over the construction of barrages, dams, and other water infrastructure projects in the upstream areas of Chhattisgarh, alleging that these projects could adversely affect water flow to downstream regions, particularly during the non-monsoon season.
In 2018, the Central Government constituted the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act to adjudicate the matter. Since then, both states have presented extensive hydrological, technical, and legal arguments regarding water allocation, river basin development, and the rights of riparian states.
The current round of discussions is being viewed as a crucial opportunity for both sides to narrow differences and seek an amicable resolution before the Tribunal proceeds further with the adjudication process.
