Centre extends Tribunal term as Mahanadi water row continues

Bhubaneswar | Desk:
The Central Government has extended the tenure of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) by another nine months to address the ongoing dispute over the sharing of Mahanadi River waters between Odisha and Chhattisgarh. The Tribunal is now expected to submit its final report and verdict by January 13, 2027.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Tribunal’s earlier term, which was scheduled to end on April 13, 2026, has been officially extended.
The decision follows a joint recommendation from both Odisha and Chhattisgarh governments. They highlighted that the Tribunal’s work was significantly affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the prolonged vacancy of the Chairperson’s post for about nine months, which delayed proceedings.
Officials believe that the extension will allow the Tribunal to continue its hearings smoothly and reach a clear and fair conclusion.
The MWDT was originally set up in 2018 to resolve disputes over the Mahanadi river water sharing. The Odisha government has accused Chhattisgarh of constructing multiple barrages in the upper reaches of the river, which it claims has reduced water flow to downstream regions.
So far, the Tribunal members have conducted field visits in both states. While legal hearings are ongoing, both states are also exploring the possibility of resolving the issue through mutual discussions.