THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
APRIL 11, 2026
In a significant development that could pave
the way for ending the long-pending Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and
Chhattisgarh, the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal has emphasised the need for
a durable resolution through constructive dialogue. The latest proceedings have
opened the door for a high-level meeting between the Chief Ministers of the two
states under the mediation of the Central Government, signalling renewed
momentum towards consensus.
Odisha Advocate
General Pitambar Acharya, who represented the state during the Tribunal hearing
in New Delhi on Saturday, described the progress as encouraging and indicative
of forward movement towards a lasting settlement. He stated that the Tribunal
has expressed satisfaction over the developments and acknowledged the efforts
made by both sides in narrowing down differences through sustained engagement.
According to Acharya,
several rounds of discussions between the technical and administrative teams of
Odisha and Chhattisgarh have helped resolve multiple concerns, enabling the
process to move closer to the core issues. In line with the Tribunal’s direction,
a joint meeting involving legal experts, administrative authorities and
technical specialists from both states will soon be convened to streamline the
deliberations by setting aside non-essential matters and focusing on the most
critical aspects of the dispute.
Substantial
groundwork has already been completed, including the compilation of detailed
data on water claims of both states, the volume of water generated in the
Mahanadi river system and the flow pattern of the river. The forthcoming
interaction between the Chief Ministers, facilitated by the Centre, is expected
to provide the necessary political push to shape the final contours of the
resolution framework.
The Central
Government has also extended the tenure of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal
until January 13, 2027, allowing additional time to conclude proceedings. The
Tribunal had remained without a Chairman for nearly nine months following the
tenure of Justice Khanwilkar. The next hearing of the matter is scheduled for
April 20.
Expressing confidence
in a positive outcome, Acharya said there is growing optimism that the
decades-old dispute will reach closure in the near future. He added that the
Tribunal is carefully examining sensitive aspects relating to the Ib and Tel
rivers and will continue deliberations on these issues in the upcoming hearing.
The Tribunal has also directed that the report of its recent visit to Odisha be
formally placed on record as part of the ongoing proceedings.
