TNI Bureau: Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit raised a issue in the Lok Sabha on the status of the Mahanadi water dispute and the proceedings of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT).

He sought to know whether the Government was aware that the construction of upstream barrages by Chhattisgarh had reduced the flow of water in the Mahanadi River, adversely affecting irrigation, drinking water supply and livelihoods in Odisha. He also asked whether the MWDT had been constituted under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, and requested details on its present status.

Further, Purohit asked whether the Tribunal had submitted any interim or final report, recommendations or conclusions on the equitable sharing of Mahanadi waters between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, and if not, the reasons for the delay. He also sought information on the revised timeline for submission of the report and the steps taken by the Union Government to facilitate an amicable resolution between the two States.

Replying, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary said the Government of Odisha had filed a complaint on November 19, 2016, leading to the constitution of the MWDT in 2018. He informed that the Tribunal, in its order dated August 29, 2020, had finalized certain issues, including the construction of six industrial barrages in the Mahanadi basin by Chhattisgarh and their alleged impact on downstream flows in Odisha.

The Minister stated that the Tribunal is currently seized of the matter, with 49 hearings held so far and cross-examination of witnesses underway. He added that both States have informed the Tribunal that discussions are being held at different levels to explore a mutual settlement.

He further clarified that the Tribunal has not yet submitted any interim or final report. The Central Government has extended the deadline for submission of the report and decision by two years from April 14, 2024, that is, up to April 13, 2026, or until the report and decision are submitted, whichever is earlier.