TNI Bureau: The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal’s visit to Hirakud Dam between February 26 and March 2, 2026 incurred an expenditure of Rs 1,45,55,480 (over Rs 1.45 crore), according to information obtained through an RTI application. The expenditure details were provided by the Public Information Officer (PIO), Main Dam Division, Burla.
The expenses were incurred towards event management, accommodation and travel arrangements for the Chairman and Members of the Tribunal during their visit. The expenditure has drawn attention amid the long-pending Mahanadi river water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
According to the RTI reply, M.M. Event Management received the highest payment of Rs 66,31,128, besides two additional payments of Rs 14,28,980 and Rs 3,51,375. Mayfair Hotels & Resorts was paid Rs 53,95,786 for accommodation-related arrangements, while Hotel The Grand Siba received Rs 2,17,211. Situ Travels was paid Rs 5,31,000 towards travel-related services.
As per the official RTI response issued by the Main Dam Division, Burla, the total expenditure for the Tribunal’s Hirakud Dam visit stood at Rs 1,45,55,480.
, according to information obtained through an RTI application. The expenditure details were provided by the Public Information Officer (PIO), Main Dam Division, Burla.){kind=link}