Context
The Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh has returned to focus as both States explore an amicable settlement alongside the ongoing tribunal process. The core issue is sharing of Mahanadi waters, especially non-monsoon flows.
Explanation
- The Mahanadi originates near Pharsiya village in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur district and flows about 851 km before entering the Bay of Bengal.
- About 357 km of its course lies in Chhattisgarh and 494 km in Odisha; its wider basin extends across several districts of both States.
- Major tributaries include Seonath, Hasdeo, Mand, Ib, Ong and Tel.
- Hirakud Dam, built across the Mahanadi in Odisha, is important for irrigation, hydropower and flood moderation.
- The dispute intensified in 2016 over Chhattisgarh’s barrages and upstream projects; Odisha fears reduced downstream lean-season flows.
- Chhattisgarh argues that its large catchment contribution entitles it to utilise more water.
- The Centre constituted the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal in 2018 under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
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