Mahanadi River Water Dispute

Why in News?

Recently, the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) has given Odisha and Chhattisgarh a final opportunity to reach an amicable settlement.

• River Mahanadi – It is the third largest east-flowing peninsular river of India after Godavari and Krishna.
• Origin – Sihawa hills, Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh.
• Course – Flows through Chhattisgarh and Odisha, drains into the Bay of Bengal.
• Length – Its total course spans approximately 851 km to 900 km.
• Catchment Area – 1,41,600 sq km.
  • Chhattisgarh – 53.9%
  • Odisha – 45.73%
  • Small portions – Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand.
• Major Tributaries – Seonath, Hasdeo, Mand, Ib, Ong, Jonk, Tel.
  • Seonath is the longest tributary.
• Key Dam – Hirakud Dam (Odisha), one of the longest earthen dams in the world.

About the Dispute

• It is a long-standing conflict (since 2016) between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the sharing of the Mahanadi river's water.
• Odisha’s Stand – Chhattisgarh’s unilateral construction of at least eight barrages reduced downstream flow, impacting agriculture, fisheries, and power generation.
  • Odisha calls the Mahanadi its “lifeline” for agriculture, fisheries, and power.
• Chhattisgarh’s Stand – As an upper riparian state with a larger catchment, it claims the right to utilise water; it also alleges Odisha initiated projects without consultation.

Upper Riparian State – The state where the river originates or flows first & Lower Riparian State – The state downstream, receiving the river’s flow after passing through the upper state.

• 1983 Agreement – Between Odisha and undivided Madhya Pradesh; Chhattisgarh cites it for joint supervision.
• Joint Control Board (JCB) – Proposed by Chhattisgarh, but Odisha preferred the tribunal route.
• Tribunal Formation – The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) was constituted in 2018 following the Supreme Court directives.
• Current Status – Tribunal extended till April 2026; warned states to finalise settlement formula.
• Legal Framework
• Article 262 – Provides for adjudication of inter‑state river disputes & empowers Parliament to set up tribunals under the 1956 Act.
• Inter‑State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 – Separate tribunals for each dispute, causing delays.
• In 2019 Amendment – Single standalone tribunal with multiple benches, strict timelines for awards, aimed at faster resolution.
• Supreme Court (2016) – Odisha filed suit under Article 131 seeking an injunction against Chhattisgarh.
  • Article 131 – Defines the Supreme Court's exclusive original jurisdiction over legal disputes between the Government of India and one or more States, or between States inter se.

Reference

The Indian Express | Odisha–Chhattisgarh Mahanadi River Dispute