Bhubaneswar, 01 May (H.S.): The long-pending dispute over the Mahanadi River water sharing is set to see fresh movement, with the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal scheduled to hold its next hearing on May 2, official sources said on Friday.

Ahead of the hearing, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari expressed cautious optimism, noting that the case has gained momentum after years of slow progress. He pointed out that the frequency of hearings has increased significantly in recent months, with the tribunal now convening two to three times a month.

The minister highlighted that in the previous five years, only one witness statement had been recorded, underscoring the earlier sluggish pace of proceedings. He added that the state government has constituted a ministerial-level committee to streamline its strategy and strengthen Odisha’s position before the tribunal.

Pujari further said that once a similar mechanism is set up by Chhattisgarh, both states would be better positioned to move towards a lasting resolution of the dispute.

The upcoming hearing is expected to focus on key issues, including barrage-related concerns and the sharing of crucial hydrological data between the two states. Deliberations will centre on assessing upstream water flow and downstream release, with the aim of establishing a transparent and reliable data-sharing mechanism.

The Mahanadi dispute has remained a contentious issue between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, impacting water security, agriculture, and livelihoods. With increased hearing frequency and renewed administrative efforts, there is growing hope among stakeholders for a balanced and durable resolution.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda