Mahanadi Tribunal Issues Stern Warning to Odisha and Chhattisgarh Over Delays
The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the repeated adjournments sought by the states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh during proceedings. In a recent order, the tribunal highlighted that despite claims from both parties about working towards an amicable settlement, no concrete proposals or consensus have been formally presented.
Frustration Over Lack of Progress
In its order passed on Monday, the tribunal explicitly stated, "We are not very happy with the manner in which the proceedings are being conducted. The proceedings are being adjourned at the request of learned advocates for the parties on the ground that they are seriously considering settlement, but so far no concrete proposal on any of the disputed issues has been placed on record." This remark underscores the growing impatience with the ongoing delays that have hampered resolution efforts.
Final Opportunity Granted
The tribunal, chaired by Bela M Trivedi with members Ravi Ranjan and Indermeet Kaur Kochhar, has granted "one last opportunity" to both states. They must finalize the minutes from a technical committee meeting held on April 8, which focused on assessing annual water availability in the Mahanadi River. The next hearing is scheduled for May 2, with a clear directive: if the minutes are not finalized or any consensus on disputed issues is not recorded by then, the tribunal will proceed with the case based on its merits.
Missed Deadlines and Unfulfilled Promises
Further complicating matters, the tribunal noted that counsel for Odisha and Chhattisgarh had jointly informed it on April 11 that annual water availability data would be finalized by April 20. However, more time was subsequently requested, and this deadline was not met. Additionally, the states failed to submit suggestions for recasting issues already framed in the reference proceedings, which was intended to help narrow down the dispute.
Public and Official Reactions
Reacting to these developments, Sudarshan Das, convener of the Mahanadi Bachao Andolan, expressed disappointment, stating it is unfortunate that even eight years after the tribunal's constitution, the governments have not provided firm data on water availability. The tribunal's tenure was recently extended by nine months until January 2027, amid plans for a chief ministers' meeting between Odisha and Chhattisgarh to resolve the dispute amicably. Officials have cited progress in multiple technical committee meetings and indicated that a joint legal and administrative team meeting could be held soon.
Background of the Dispute
The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal was established on March 12, 2018, following a suit filed by Odisha seeking adjudication of the inter-state water-sharing dispute. Odisha has consistently maintained that efforts are ongoing to reach an amicable settlement, but the tribunal's latest order signals a critical juncture in this prolonged legal battle.
