Bhubaneswar, Jun 27: The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal will resume hearings today on the long‑standing inter‑state river dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Both states are expected to submit a detailed report of discussions held earlier this month, as directed by the Tribunal.

According to officials, the Tribunal had instructed Odisha and Chhattisgarh to hold consultations between June 16 and June 26 to address key issues relating to water sharing, usage, and management of the Mahanadi river. Technical and legal teams from both sides engaged in extensive deliberations during this period, focusing on the core matters of contention.

During the previous hearing, both states had informed the Tribunal that wide‑ranging discussions were underway. Today’s session will see the submission of the outcomes of those talks, marking a crucial step in the adjudication process.

The Mahanadi dispute has been a sensitive issue for years, with Odisha raising concerns over upstream projects in Chhattisgarh that it claims affect water flow into the state. Chhattisgarh, on its part, has argued for its right to utilise the river’s resources for irrigation and development. The Tribunal’s intervention aims to provide a structured mechanism for resolution, balancing the interests of both states.
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Officials said the joint report will highlight points of agreement as well as areas where differences persist. The Tribunal is expected to examine these findings closely before issuing further directions.

The outcome of today’s hearing will be significant in shaping the next phase of negotiations and could set the tone for a long‑term settlement. The case continues to be closely watched, given the Mahanadi’s importance to agriculture, industry, and livelihoods across both states.