Bhubaneswar: The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal on Saturday heard matters relating to the dispute over the sharing of river waters between Odisha and Chhattisgarh. The two states submitted detailed data on the flow of river water during monsoon and non-monsoon seasons.
Officials said the Tribunal was apprised of seasonal variations in water flow, in compliance with its earlier directive.
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.
Sources said 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.
