Cuttack, Sept. 18 (UDN): The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal has once again postponed proceedings in the long-running water-sharing dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, with the next hearing now scheduled for September 28.
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The tribunal was expected to review the progress of an expanded technical committee, led by the Central Water Commission (CWC), which is examining water availability and utilisation data submitted by both states to help shape a framework for equitable water sharing.
Technical talks continue
Odisha Advocate General Pitambar Acharya confirmed the adjournment and said technical-level discussions between the two states are continuing under the supervision of the CWC Chairman.
According to officials, two rounds of meetings between the technical teams have already been completed, while the next meeting is slated for September 21. The committee is tasked with analysing river flow data and water usage before recommending a balanced sharing mechanism that safeguards the interests of both states.
Call for cooperative resolution
Acharya stressed that a lasting solution is more likely through dialogue than prolonged legal proceedings, saying mutual understanding and cooperation between Odisha and Chhattisgarh remain essential to resolving the decades-old dispute.
He reiterated that the Odisha government will continue to protect the state’s water interests while participating in the ongoing technical and legal processes aimed at reaching a fair settlement.
The tribunal’s next hearing on September 28 is expected to review the progress of the CWC-led consultations and determine the next course of action in the case.