Bhubaneswar: The long-pending dispute over the sharing of waters of the Mahanadi River between Odisha and Chhattisgarh came up for hearing before the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal, with both states submitting detailed data on river flows during monsoon and non-monsoon seasons.
During the proceedings, the Tribunal was apprised of seasonal variations in water flow, in compliance with its earlier directive. Officials said the next hearing has been scheduled for the 30th of the coming month, raising cautious optimism about progress towards a resolution.
The dispute, which has persisted for several years, centres around allegations by Odisha that upstream constructions by Chhattisgarh—including dams and barrages—are restricting the natural flow of the river into downstream regions. Odisha has repeatedly expressed concern that such interventions significantly reduce water availability, particularly during the lean, non-monsoon months.
According to sources, reduced inflows during the dry season have severely impacted river conditions in parts of Odisha, with stretches of the Mahanadi witnessing drastically diminished water levels.
While the matter remains under judicial consideration, Odisha has also been advocating for an amicable settlement through dialogue. A high-level committee has been constituted to facilitate discussions between the two states; however, it is yet to commence field-level engagement.
Despite multiple rounds of hearings, the Tribunal has not yet delivered a final verdict. The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications for water sharing, irrigation, and ecological balance in the basin.
