The Union Cabinet has approved the setting up of a tribunal to settle a row between Odisha and Chhattisgarh on sharing the waters of the river Mahanadi.
This is in keeping with a Supreme Court order directing the Centre to set up a tribunal in response to a plea by the Odisha government to stop the Chhattisgarh government from constructing several weirs on the river.
With a chairperson and two other members, the tribunal will be formed according to the provisions of the Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD), 1956.
The Chief Justice of India would nominate the chairperson and members for the tribunal from among the judges of the apex court or high courts.
As per provisions of the ISRWD Act, 1956 the Tribunal is required to submit its report and decision within a period of 3 years which can be extended to a further period not exceeding 2 years due to unavoidable reasons.
About Mahanadi
River Mahanadi originates from Sihawa Mountain in Chhattisgarh.
Flows through Chhattisgarh and odissa and drains in Bay of Bengal.
The tributaries of Mahanadi
Right bank tributaries- Ong, Tel, Jonk
Left bank tributaries- Seonath, Hasdeo, Mand, Ib.
The world’s longest Hirakud dam is constructed on Mahanadi River.