Bhubaneswar: The Mahanadi water disputes tribunal has adjourned hearing in the Odisha-Chhattisgarh water dispute case to Sept 28, amid ongoing efforts by the two states to explore an amicable settlement. Odisha advocate general Pitambar Acharya told the tribunal that technical teams from both states have held two rounds of discussions under the chairmanship of the Central Water Commission (CWC). A fresh CWC meeting is scheduled for Sept 21, where officials and experts are expected to examine a possible framework for sharing Mahanadi waters.Acharya said Odisha was participating in the talks to work out a mutually acceptable arrangement while protecting the state’s interests. He expressed hope that continued engagement, with the Centre’s support, could help reduce differences and pave the way for a negotiated resolution. The tribunal’s next hearing will depend on the progress made at the Sept 21 meeting, now seen as crucial to the long-pending dispute between the neighbouring states.
