Cabinet approves proposal for constitution of Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal

ONI Bureau:  The State Government achieved a major victory in the Mahanadi crisis as the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for constitution of Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal.

The Tribunal shall determine water sharing among basin States on the basis of the overall availability of water in the complete Mahanadi basin, contribution of each State, the present utilization of water resources in each State and the potential for future development.

As per provisions of the Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956, the Tribunal shall consist of a Chairman and two other Members nominated by the Chief Justice of India from amongst the Judges of the Supreme Court or High Court. Further, services of two Assessors who are water resources experts having experience in handling sensitive water-related issues will be provided to advise the Tribunal in its proceedings.

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.