New Delhi: The Centre has decided to form a tribunal to resolve Mahanadi river water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, said Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State for water resources in Rajya Sabha on Monday.
In reply to a query asked by the Upper House member from Odisha AV Swamy, Balyan said after getting a report submitted by a negotiation committee formed by the Centre, a decision to constitute the tribunal has been taken.
Balyan added the draft cabinet note for tribunal formation has been prepared.
The Union Minister further noted though the negotiation committee met twice in February and May, no representatives of Odisha participate in both the meetings.
Meanwhile, the apex court would hear a petition moved by the Odisha government regarding the Mahanadi water dispute on August 2.
Odisha had submitted a complaint to the Centre in November last year regarding construction of barrages over Mahanadi river in upstream areas of Chhattisgarh citing less water flow into the State.