New Delhi: Giving another chance to Odisha and Chhattisgarh to resolve the stand-off over Mahanadi water through dialogues, the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal today directed both the States to hold another round of discussion before May 11.
The tribunal asked the states to reach an amicable settlement. Considering a proposal moved by Chhattisgarh, the court also suggested the Odisha government to undertake spot visits, if possible.
During previous hearings, the tribunal had asked both the States to hold talks at the Advocate General-level. But the meeting failed to generate any consensus. The bone of contention between Odisha and Chhattisgarh is over the quantity of Mahanadi water that needs to be released from the upper catchment areas during non-monsoon period.
"Today the tribunal was apprised about the three previous meetings held between both the States. The court felt that more discussions should be held to arrive at an amicable settlement. Apart from this, it asked Odisha government to explore the possibility of spot visits. But a decision on this will be taken after a discussion," said Surya Mishra, Advocate General, Odisha. The tribunal has set May 11, the next date for hearing.
Responding to queries, Chhattisgarh counsel, Atul Jha said, "The proposal was accepted by Odisha and they have agreed to visit the barrages. As the next date of hearing is May 11, the court has requested both the parties to resolve the issues amicably before that."