Mahanadi Tribunal team inspects Hirakud Dam as Odisha reaffirms commitment to safeguard water share

In a significant development, the tribunal team reviewing the long-standing Mahanadi water dispute conducted a detailed assessment in Sambalpur on Friday. 

As per reports, after holding a crucial meeting in Burla, the team proceeded to inspect the spillway area of the Hirakud Dam as part of its on-ground evaluation of the river water-sharing issues.

The visit is being seen as a significant step in the ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute between Odisha and the neighbouring state of Chhattisgarh over the sharing and utilisation of the Mahanadi river waters.

After the meeting, Odisha Advocate General Pitambar Acharya said that the interests of the people of Odisha would remain the top priority in resolving the dispute. He assured that efforts are underway to find a practical and mutually acceptable solution.

“Keeping the interests of the people of Odisha in mind, the issue will be resolved. The process of finding a solution is ongoing,” Acharya stated, adding that after the formation of the new government, renewed initiatives have been taken to address the matter more proactively.

Also Read: Mahanadi water sharing dispute: Tribunal team to conduct field assessment in Odisha today

Emphasising the need for cooperation, the Advocate General said that the dispute would be resolved through mutual understanding and discussions between the two states. He also underlined that appropriate arrangements would be made to ensure optimal utilisation of Mahanadi waters for the benefit of Odisha’s residents.

Acharya reiterated that Odisha would certainly receive its rightful share of water and that sustained efforts are being made to safeguard the state’s interests in the tribunal proceedings.