Union Cabinet has given its approval to the proposal for the setting up of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal.
The Tribunal will be set up under the provisions of the Inter-State River Disputes Act, 1956 at the request of the state of Odisha, one of the parties to the dispute.
The Tribunal will have to determine the water sharing arrangement among basin states of Odisha and Chattisgarh. The tribunal will take its decisions based on certain parameters, which will include the overall availability of water in the complete Mahanadi basin; the contribution of each state to the Mahanadi basin and the present utilisation of water resources in each state and the potential for future development.
It is expected that the Tribunal will through its adjudication and it is expected that it will help bring to an end the long standing dispute between the States of Odisha and Chattisgarh over the sharing of the water of the Mahanadi river.
According to the provisions of the Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD), Act, 1956 the tribunal will have three members, including a Chairman and two other members, who will be nominated by the Chief Justice of India from amongst the judges of the Supreme Court or the High Courts.
The Tribunal will be required to submit its report and decision within a period of three years, which can be further extended for a period not exceeding more than two years due to unavoidable reasons. (ANI)
