To perform a field evaluation of significant river infrastructure and water usage concerns related to the protracted interstate conflict, a three-member Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal bench traveled to Odisha.
The group came in the state on Thursday under the direction of recently appointed Chairperson Justice Bela M. Trivedi. In the long-running interstate river water issue, the visit is seen as a significant development.
Important Websites Being Examined
The Hirakud Dam and other significant river infrastructure will be inspected by the tribunal members. Inspections will be conducted of the dam's command area, power house, and right spillway. Additionally, the group will evaluate the Chipilima Power House's ground conditions.

According to sources, the inspection will concentrate on assessing the amount of water that reaches Hirakud outside of the monsoon season and looking at how the water is used for drinking and industrial purposes. Since they were brought up in previous tribunal proceedings, issues related to river-linking projects are also anticipated to be considered.
The Dispute's Greater Context
With both governments making conflicting claims about water supply and usage, the Mahanadi water-sharing dispute has been a tense matter between Odisha and Chhattisgarh for a number of years.

Political circles are speculating that a mutually agreeable solution would be achievable given the BJP's current hold on power in both states and the federal government. Pitambar Acharya, the advocate general for Odisha, has stated unequivocally that the interests of the state will not be jeopardized.
"Every action taken is intended to protect the interests of the Odisha people. The ancient conflict will be settled," Acharya declared.
The tribunal members are also expected to pay a visit to the Maa Samaleswari Temple while they are there.
The final decision made by the tribunal regarding the sharing of Mahanadi waters between the two states is anticipated to be significantly influenced by the results of the field assessment.