Mahanadi Tribunal's next hearing on December 15

Bhubaneswar: The second hearing of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal constituted to resolve the Mahanadi water sharing dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh will commence on December 15.

As per reports, a committee comprising experts have been formed by the Mahanadi Bachao Andolan to hold discussions with residents of western, central and coastal parts of Odisha, prepare a report and present it before the State government.

Based on the report the State government will present its stand before the Mahanadi tribunal whose next hearing is scheduled to be held on December 15, sources added.

In the report, the committee will also mention about the problems faced by locals with the construction of barrage by Chhattisgarh in the upstream areas and the effect on the bio-diversity in the region, sources said.

“A committee will compile the recommendations it has received from public and submit it to the State government. It will monitor the way in which the state government present its stand before the tribunal,” convener of Mahanadi Bachao Andolan, Sudarshan Das said.

The convener further informed the agitation will be intensified in coming days if Chhattisgarh stops the natural water flow in Mahanadi river with the construction of barrages in the upstream.