Tribunal team visits Chhattisgarh projects amid Mahanadi water dispute

Raigarh | Correspondent: A three-member team led by Justice Bela M. Trivedi, Chairperson of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal, conducted a thorough inspection of the Kelo Dam and Kalama Barrage in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh. This visit is considered crucial before a final decision is reached in the long-standing water sharing dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

The team, which included Justices Ravi Ranjan and Indermeet Kaur Kochhar, reviewed the current status of these projects in the presence of senior officials from both states.

The root of the dispute lies in the dams and barrages built by Chhattisgarh on the Mahanadi and its tributaries.

The Odisha government alleges that these structures have significantly reduced the flow of water into the Hirakud reservoir, especially during the non-monsoon season.

This is adversely affecting agriculture, drinking water supply, and industrial activities in the state.

After reaching Jindal Airstrip, the tribunal team has started visiting various water projects in Raigarh and Sakti districts to resolve this complex dispute based on ground realities.