Bhubaneswar: The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal has postponed the hearing on the long-pending water-sharing dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh to September 28, officials said on Thursday.
The tribunal was scheduled to take stock of the progress made by the expanded technical committee, including the Central Water Commission (CWC), which is examining data on water availability and utilisation furnished by the two states.
Odisha Advocate General Pitambar Acharya confirmed the deferment and said the dispute should ideally be resolved through mutual understanding and cooperation rather than prolonged litigation.
Acharya said water-related disputes have rarely achieved enduring solutions through court proceedings and stressed that an amicable settlement would be in the interests of both Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Technical teams from the two states have already held two rounds of discussions under the supervision of the CWC Chairman. The next meeting is scheduled for September 21.
The CWC is expected to work towards a framework for equitable sharing of Mahanadi waters while taking into account the water security and interests of both states.
Acharya reiterated that the Odisha government would continue to safeguard the state’s interests while pursuing a cooperative and mutually acceptable resolution to the dispute.
