SC hearing on Mahanadi water sharing dispute scheduled for Aug 2

Bhubaneswar: The Supreme Court has set August 2 as the date for hearing on the injunction suit sought by Odisha government against Chhattisgarh government for construction of projects and planning upcoming projects in upper catchments of Mahanadi.

Odisha in its argument had to present how illegal actions of Chhattisgarh government in unilaterally planning and constructing projects and barrages in the upper catchment of Mahanadi would spell socio-economic and ecological hazard to the State and its inhabitants.

Both the states are already at logger heads over drop in water flow to Odisha during non-monsoon seasons and over one-sided operation and release of water by Chhattisgarh government through Kalma barrage during this monsoon. Odisha has alleged that the sudden release of water from the upper catchment area of the Mahanadi will affect flood water management in State during heavy rains.

Talking to OTV, BJD Vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra had said, "We have not only filed a suit but also have given two interlocutory applications, one in January and another in April. Technical data regarding the drop in water flow during the lean period has been submitted by the Odisha government. We hope the apex court will provide justice to Odisha."

It may be mentioned that Odisha government since long is demanding for formation of a tribunal under the Interstate Water Dispute Act, 1956 to solve the Mahanadi water sharing dispute with Chhattisgarh.

Meanwhile, the apex court has scheduled the next hearing to August 2.