New Delhi: The Central government on Thursday extends the period of submission of report and decision by the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal for a period of two years.
The tenure has been extended till March 11, 2023, a notification issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti stated.
The extension of the term was made following a request by the Tribunal as it needs some more time to hear the matter and prepare reports accordingly.
“In exercise of the powers conferred under the proviso to sub-section (2) of section 5 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 (33 of 1956), the Central Government hereby extends the period of submission of report and decision by the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal for a period of two years up to 11th March, 2023 or till the submission of report and decision under sub-section (2) of section 5 of the said Act, whichever is earlier,” the notification stated.
Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted on March 12, 2018 under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 for adjudication of Mahanadi water disputes between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
The State Government had moved the Supreme Court in 2016 seeking a direction to Chhattisgarh Government to stop all construction of barrages and dams on the upper stream of the Mahanadi river. It had also sought the formation of a tribunal to resolve the issue.
Later, a tribunal was formed on directives of the apex court to settle down the inter-state water dispute.
