Centre Grants Nine-Month Extension to Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal
The Central government has officially extended the tenure of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal by nine months, pushing its deadline to January 2027. This decision comes as the states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh are preparing for a high-level chief ministers' meeting aimed at resolving the long-standing water dispute through amicable negotiations.
Progress in Technical Discussions and Legal Advice
Odisha Advocate General Pitambar Acharya, speaking to reporters in Delhi after attending a tribunal hearing on Saturday, revealed that the tribunal has advised both states to set aside issues where agreements already exist. This strategic move is intended to narrow down the remaining differences and facilitate a smoother resolution process.
Acharya highlighted that there has been remarkable progress following 13 technical committee meetings held between Odisha and Chhattisgarh since June 2025. These meetings have focused on critical aspects of the water dispute, laying the groundwork for potential compromises.
A joint meeting involving the legal, technical, and administrative teams from both states will be convened shortly to build on this momentum. Acharya emphasized the political dimension of the issue, stating, "Since it is also a political issue, the chief ministers of both states will meet with the Centre's intervention."
Third Extension Due to Leadership Vacancy
This marks the third extension for the tribunal, which was originally scheduled to conclude on April 13. The Centre approved the nine-month extension in consideration of a vacancy in the chairperson's position for an equivalent period. Justice A M Khanwilkar resigned in March 2024, and Justice Bela M Trivedi assumed the role in December 2024, as confirmed by a notification issued by the Jal Shakti ministry on Friday.
The next hearing of the tribunal is set for January 20, providing a crucial platform for further discussions and evaluations.
Historical Context and Previous Extensions
The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted on March 12, 2018, under Section 4 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956. Its primary mandate is to adjudicate disputes related to the inter-state river and its valley. Initially, the tribunal was required to submit its report and decision by March 11, 2021.
However, the tribunal could not meet this three-year deadline and sought an extension. Consequently, its tenure was extended by two years until March 11, 2023. The tribunal later requested the Centre to treat the period from March 2020 to June 2021 as a non-functioning period due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, further complicating its timeline.
The ongoing efforts reflect a multi-faceted approach combining legal adjudication, technical collaboration, and political dialogue to address the complex water sharing issues between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
