New Delhi: The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal Friday continued the cross-examination of the witness produced by Odisha on the aspect of socio-economic development in Mahanadi basin of the state. Odisha produced Manoj Panda, former director of Institute of Economic Growth, New Delhi, in the tribunal as its first witness on the aspect of socio-economic development in Mahanadi basin. He was questioned by senior counsel AK Ganguly, representing the state of Chhattisgarh, for the second day about the study he has conducted regarding socio-economic development in Mahanadi basin. He will further be cross-examined during the next hearings – February 2 and 3.
During the hearing, Odisha drew the tribunal’s attention to discrepancies in the transcription of the November 28 cross-examination, prepared by the state of Chhattisgarh. Odisha submitted that the questions have been rephrased at several points in the transcription. The tribunal, then, heard the audio recording of the entire cross-examination and directed for correction in the transcription. The tribunal has also approved for real-time recording of the witness examination. Significantly, Madhya Pradesh has also submitted the list of witnesses following the directions of the tribunal. However, the state of Jharkhand hasn’t filed the list of witnesses yet.