Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal Begins Odisha Visit Amid Calls for Interim Award

The Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal, established in 2018 to address water sharing issues between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, began a five-day visit to Odisha, inspecting sites including Hirakud Dam and power facilities. Odisha officials highlighted the adverse impacts of upstream constructions on downstream livelihoods. However, activists and some political leaders criticized the visit as ineffective, demanding an interim award to ensure adequate water flow during non-monsoon periods. Odisha has also requested an extension of the tribunal's tenure beyond April 13.