Bhubaneswar: The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal has deferred hearing on the water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh to September 28.

The tribunal was supposed to review the progress made by its expanded technical committee, including the Central Water Commission (CWC) in examining water availability and utlisation data submitted by both the states on Thursday.  

“The hearing on the Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh by the tribunal has been deferred to September 28,” said Advocate General Pitambar Acharya.

According to Acharya, the interstate water dispute would be resolved through mutual understanding and ‘brotherhood’ rather than prolonged litigation.

Acharya said that water disputes had historically not been resolved through court proceedings and expressed the view that an amicable solution would be the appropriate way forward in the Mahanadi matter.

He informed that technical teams from Odisha and Chhattisgarh have already held two meetings under the chairmanship of the Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC). The next meeting of the technical teams is scheduled for September 21.

According to Acharya, the CWC will work out the framework for water sharing between the two states in the coming days by considering the water security and interests of both Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

The basis and parameters for sharing Mahanadi water will be determined through the ongoing technical discussions.

He further said the Odisha government is moving towards a resolution of the dispute while keeping the interests of the state at the forefront. “The dispute between the two neighbouring states will be resolved through brotherhood,” Acharya said.