Justice Bela M. Trivedi appointed new chairperson of Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal

The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal has appointed a new chairperson, tasked with resolving the long-standing river water conflict between Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Justice Bela M. Trivedi assumes the role following the departure of her predecessor, Supreme Court Justice A.M. Khanwilkar.

Constituted in 2018, the tribunal was established by the directive of the Supreme Court of India to address contentious water-sharing disagreements between the neighbouring states. The ongoing dispute concerns the allocation of water from the Mahanadi River and its extensive basin, a critical resource for the region's agriculture and livelihoods.

Under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, the tribunal was formed after Odisha approached the Supreme Court, seeking a resolution to perceived inequities in water distribution. Odisha’s intent was to secure a more equitable distribution of the river water, reflecting the state's proactive approach in handling inter-state water conflicts.

The resolution of such disputes is crucial in ensuring impartial resource allocation and maintaining harmony between the two states.

With Justice Trivedi at the helm, there is renewed optimism that a fresh and unbiased perspective will aid in navigating the complexities of the dispute. Notably, both states are under Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) administration, adding a layer of political interest to the proceedings.

People from both states are keenly observing the tribunal's approach under its new leadership to discern how Justice Trivedi's direction may influence the tribunal's decisions. The resolution is seen not just as a legal triumph but as a crucial step towards sustainable management of river resources in India.