Bhubaneswar: The tribunal hearing the long-pending Mahanadi water-sharing dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh on Saturday reviewed the progress made in resolving contentious issues, with the next hearing scheduled for July 11.
According to officials, both states have reached consensus on several aspects of the dispute after multiple rounds of discussions. The tribunal examined the status of the remaining unresolved issues, particularly those relating to water allocation.
Before the next hearing, a secretaries-level meeting between Odisha and Chhattisgarh will be held to further narrow differences. The technical committee constituted to address the dispute has so far held 20 meetings, with discussions focusing on assessing the water requirements of both states and reconciling data on water storage and utilisation.
The tribunal is expected to play a key role in facilitating a consensus-based resolution of the dispute.
Odisha was represented during the hearing by Advocate General Pitambar Acharya, while Chhattisgarh’s case was argued by Advocate General Vivek Sharma.
“After seven rounds of talks, there has been consensus on several issues. The main issue concerning sharing of water, which had several disputed aspects, including the water requirements of both states and the quantity of water being stored, is being reconciled and is gradually moving towards a solution through consensus. The next hearing has been scheduled for July 11,” Acharya told reporters after the proceedings.
