Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
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
