New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Justice Bela M. Trivedi, a judge of the Supreme Court, has been appointed as the chairperson of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal, marking a significant step in the adjudication of the long-standing dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the sharing of Mahanadi river water. This appointment comes after the position had remained vacant for seven months, stalling progress on the contentious issue.
Background of the Dispute; The Mahanadi, a 900-km-long river originating in Chhattisgarh and flowing into Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal, is a lifeline for millions. With a basin area spanning 132,100 sq. km., the river supports agriculture, hydropower, fisheries, and industry across its course. Notably, the Hirakud Dam in Odisha, built post-independence, plays a pivotal role in irrigation, electricity generation, and flood control. However, disputes over water usage intensified following the formation of Chhattisgarh in 2000.
Odisha alleges that Chhattisgarh has constructed numerous dams and barrages upstream, restricting water flow to the downstream regions, especially during the lean season. This has caused ecological stress in Odisha’s coastal and delta regions and raised concerns about the sustainability of the Hirakud reservoir, which is crucial for the state’s agriculture and livelihood.
In 2018, following Odisha’s appeal under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act of 1956, the central government constituted the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal. Despite efforts by a negotiation committee and direct discussions between the states’ Chief Ministers, the stalemate persisted, leading to tribunal proceedings. However, delays due to administrative vacancies and external factors like the pandemic have slowed progress.
The BJP’s recent rise to power in both Odisha and Chhattisgarh has sparked fresh hope for resolving the dispute amicably. Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil, during his visit to Odisha in September 2024, assured that the tribunal is working diligently to find a fair and equitable solution. However, political tensions remain high.
The BJD, now the primary opposition party in Odisha, has criticized the BJP for its “triple-engine government” approach, accusing it of failing to resolve the issue despite holding power at the Center and in both states. Senior BJD leader Prasanna Acharya voiced concerns over the delay, stating, “The prolonged stalemate is costing Odisha dearly. Chhattisgarh’s barrages are reducing the Mahanadi’s flow, threatening agriculture, climate stability, and livelihoods in western Odisha.”
Countering these claims, Odisha’s Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan blamed the previous BJD government for politicizing the issue instead of seeking a cooperative resolution. “The Naveen government’s lack of action during its 24 years in power has exacerbated the problem. We are committed to protecting Odisha’s interests now,” he said.
Justice Trivedi’s appointment has renewed expectations for expedited tribunal proceedings. With its tenure extended to April 2026, the tribunal is expected to address critical questions of equitable water sharing. However, achieving a solution that satisfies both states remains a challenge.
The stakes are high—not just for Odisha and Chhattisgarh, but for the millions who depend on the Mahanadi. How the tribunal navigates these complexities and balances ecological, economic, and political considerations will shape the future of the region’s water governance.
Input: Aswini Kumar Darjee
