TNI Bureau: Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra has written to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging immediate executive intervention in the ongoing Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal proceedings, following what he described as “serious adverse observations” made by the Tribunal in its April 20, 2026 order.

In his detailed four-page letter, Patra warned that the Tribunal has expressed clear dissatisfaction over the manner in which proceedings are being conducted, stating that it is “not very happy” with repeated adjournments, failure to honour earlier assurances, and the absence of any concrete proposal for settlement on disputed issues.

He said the Tribunal’s concerns are no longer procedural but are beginning to affect the substantive handling of the dispute itself, which could weaken Odisha’s legal and technical position.

Patra highlighted that the central unresolved issue is the determination of Annual Water Availability in Million Acre Feet (MAF), which remains unfinalized from the April 8, 2026 meeting. He stressed that this issue is foundational to water allocation, utilization rights, downstream protection, irrigation security, drinking water supply, and the state’s ecological balance.

Calling the Tribunal’s latest direction a “last opportunity,” Patra noted that both Odisha and Chhattisgarh have been asked to finalize the minutes of the April 8 meeting and place any consensus or concrete proposals on record before the next hearing scheduled for May 2, 2026, at 11 AM.

He cautioned that failure to do so would push the case fully into merits adjudication, reducing Odisha’s room for negotiated settlement and strategic flexibility.

Patra also pointed to the broader political context, noting that the Union Government, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh are currently governed by the same political dispensation, creating an expectation of smoother coordination and cooperative resolution.

However, he said the Tribunal’s observations suggest that such expectations have not translated into tangible outcomes.

Seeking urgent action, the MP recommended direct oversight by the Chief Minister, high-level engagement with Chhattisgarh, preparation of a technically robust and legally defensible position on annual water availability, and strict accountability for previous delays.

“The Mahanadi dispute is not merely a legal proceeding—it directly impacts irrigation security, drinking water supply, ecological balance, and industrial planning for Odisha’s future,” Patra wrote, adding that timely intervention is essential to protect the state’s long-term interests.