Context: At present, the Mahanadi dispute is under adjudication in the Tribunal under Section 5 (2) of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956
Mahanadi Tribunal

• The Central Government has constituted Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal in 2018 under Section 4 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
• It is set to adjudicate on water disputes between the riparian States of Odisha and Chhattisgarh
• The Tribunal will have to submit its report and decision within period of 3 years.
• Provided that if the decision cannot be given for unavoidable reason, within a period of three years, the Central Government may extend the period for a further period not exceeding two years”.

What is the dispute about?

• Chhattisgarh has been constructing dams and weirs (small dams) upstream the Mahanadi. This is being allegedly carried on without consulting Odisha.
• It would affect the flow of the river downstream and affect drinking water supply. Also, it would impact the irrigation facilities in Odisha and adversely affect the interests of the farmers.
• Moreover, the weirs and other projects would impact the flow of water in the Hirakud reservoir, a multipurpose river valley project, which is a lifeline for many in the state.

Mahanadi River

• Mahanadi is the largest river of Odisha state.
• The Mahanadi basin extends over states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha and comparatively smaller portions of Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
• It originates from highlands of Chhattisgarh and reaches Bay of Bengal.
• It is bounded by the Central India hills on the north, by the Eastern Ghats on the south and east and by the Maikala range on the west.
• The Mahanadi River ranks second to the Godavari River among the peninsular rivers in respect of water potential.
• Major Tributaries of the Mahanadi river – Seonath, Hasdeo, Mand, Ib, Jonking, Tel etc.

Active River Water Dispute Tribunals in India