The Odisha-Chhattisgarh Mahanadi River Dispute: Tribunal Issues Last Warning to Settle by May 2

📌 Summary:

• The Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal (MWDT) in its April 20, 2026 order gave Odisha and Chhattisgarh a last opportunity to finalise a settlement formula and place it on record by May 2, 2026 — or it will proceed on merits

• The Mahanadi originates in Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district and flows through Odisha before draining into the Bay of Bengal; it is ~900 km long

• Odisha alleged in 2016 that Chhattisgarh has unilaterally constructed at least 8 barrages upstream, reducing water flow into Odisha and threatening agriculture and drinking water supply

• The Supreme Court set up the MWDT in 2018 under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956; it is headed by former SC Justice Bela M. Trivedi

• In October 2025, both states had agreed on an "amicable solution" but failed to finalise the settlement formula — prompting the tribunal's warning

• Core dispute: Chhattisgarh's upstream barrages (for irrigation/power) vs. Odisha's downstream interests (agriculture, drinking water); reflects classic upper-lower riparian conflict in Indian federalism

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 — Federalism (Centre-State, Inter-State river disputes); GS3 — Indian Economy (irrigation, water management); GS1 — Geography (Mahanadi river system)

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Mahanadi: Originates in Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh; drains into Bay of Bengal; length ~900 km

• MWDT (Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal): Set up 2018 under Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956

• Headed by: Former SC Justice Bela M. Trivedi

• Key dam on Mahanadi: Hirakud Dam (Odisha) — one of India's longest dams

🔑 Key Term: Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 — Provides for constitution of a Tribunal to adjudicate disputes between states over river water sharing; Tribunal awards are binding and have the force of a Supreme Court decree