New Delhi: The bench, hearing the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal observed that the since both Odisha and Chhattisgarh have expressed interest to resolve the matter amicably, it will defer the pronouncement of judgment till March 30.
During the hearing, the counsel appearing for Odisha and Chhattisgarh appraised the court that the talks between the technical experts and officers of both the states, held twice, here remained inconclusive.
The tribunal again mooted the idea for further discussion observing that even if they pronounce an order, chances of litigation to challenge that order exists.
The bench comprising Justice AM Khanwilkar, Justice Ravi Ranjan and Justice Indermeet Kaur also asked that a legal team headed by advocate generals of both states shall hold meeting within a week to resolve the interim application filed by Odisha government pleading for release of 1.74 million acre-foot water by Chhattisgarh during non-monsoon months, amicably.
“If parties are not ready for amicable solution, we will pronounce the judgement March 9,” the bench had observed while concluding the interim application February 9. However, since both the parties are ready to solve the matter amicably, the bench deferred the pronouncement.
Last month, in its affidavit, Odisha had highlighted the impact during monsoon and non-monsoon periods due to the construction of barrages by Chhattisgarh on the upper catchment areas of Mahanadi. According to sources, till January 1, Chhattisgarh had collected 4.32 MAF (million acre-feet) water through 11 major projects which is more than the required quantity. Besides, Chhattisgarh has stored 1.78 million acre-feet water through several other medium and minor projects constructed on the upper catchment areas.
Earlier, the Tribunal had directed the Odisha government to submit an affidavit based on its petition filed seeking a stay on the construction of barrages by neighbouring Chhattisgarh.
PNN