Mahanadi tribunal team begins ground inspection in Odisha amid mounting pressure

The long-pending Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal has begun a crucial five-day visit to Odisha , even as political tensions and public frustration over the inter-state water dispute continue to intensify.

A 10-member team led by Chairperson Justice Bela M Trivedi arrived at Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda on Thursday before proceeding to Sambalpur, where key meetings are expected. The visit comes at a sensitive time, with the tribunal’s tenure set to end on April 13 and the core dispute yet to be adjudicated.

During the tour, the team is scheduled to inspect major sites connected to the river basin, including the iconic Hirakud Dam, the power channel at Burla, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Chilika Lake. These locations are central to Odisha’s claim that upstream constructions in Chhattisgarh have disrupted the natural flow of the Mahanadi , affecting irrigation and drinking water supply in downstream districts.

The Mahanadi dispute dates back decades. Odisha has consistently raised concerns that Chhattisgarh’s construction of multiple barrages and dams in the upper reaches of the river has restricted water flow downstream , particularly impacting farmers, fisheries, and local communities. In 2018, Odisha formally approached the Centre, leading to the formation of the tribunal to adjudicate water-sharing arrangements between the two states. Over the years, delays and procedural hurdles have frustrated stakeholders, with Odisha repeatedly seeking both interim water release orders and an extension of the tribunal’s tenure to ensure a fair resolution.

The tribunal was constituted to ensure equitable distribution of the river’s water, but progress has been slow. The state government has urged the Centre to extend the tribunal’s tenure, citing the importance of safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods.

The visit has drawn criticism from the Mahanadi Bachao Andolan, which demanded an interim award to ensure adequate water release . Political leaders across party lines have voiced concern over delays, while the BJP maintained that efforts are also underway to explore an amicable settlement with Chhattisgarh.

With the deadline approaching, the outcome of this inspection could significantly influence the future of the long-standing Mahanadi water dispute , which remains one of India’s most contentious inter-state river issues.