Context:
- The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) has issued a final ultimatum to the states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh to present a mutual water-sharing settlement by May 2. Failing this, the tribunal has stated it will proceed to deliver a judgment on the merits of the case.
The Mahanadi River System
- Nomenclature: Derived from Sanskrit words “Maha” (great) and “Nadi” (river).
- Characteristics: A major east-flowing peninsular river recognized for its high silt load, historical flood cycles, and immense agricultural importance.
- Origin: Nagri Sihawa Hills near Pharsiya village, Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh (altitude: ~442m).
- Length & Outflow: Travels approximately 900 km (560 miles), emptying into the Bay of Bengal via distributaries near Paradip, Odisha.
- Catchment Area: Spans roughly 1.32 lakh sq. km.
- Basin States: Primary flow through Chhattisgarh (upper and middle basin) and Odisha (lower basin and delta), with minor catchments in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Left Bank Tributaries: Seonath (Shivnath), Hasdeo, Mand, and Ib.
- Right Bank Tributaries: Ong, Tel, and Jonk
Key feature
- Hirakud Dam: Situated in Odisha, it is the world’s longest earthen dam, functioning for flood control, irrigation, and hydropower generation.
- Satkosia Gorge: An ecologically sensitive and scenic geographical formation cutting through the Eastern Ghats.
- Delta Region: One of India’s largest delta systems, shared with the Brahmani River, acting as a crucial base for agriculture, fisheries, and port operations.
- Biodiversity: The ecosystem sustains over 130 avian species, diverse fish populations, and key tiger reserve zones.
The Mahanadi River Water Dispute
The conflict between Odisha and Chhattisgarh centers on the equitable sharing of the Mahanadi River’s water resources.
Odisha’s Grievances
- Reports a severe reduction in river flow entering its territory, resulting in harm to its population and environment.
- Attributes this decline to Chhattisgarh’s construction of upstream dams and barrages, alongside its increased water consumption.
- Cites severe downstream impacts on state irrigation, drinking water supply, and coastal ecology.
Chhattisgarh’s Defense
- Asserts its right to utilize the river water to meet state requirements based on its geographical share.
- Constitutes 52.9% of the river’s total basin catchment area.
- Encompasses nearly 90% of the river’s catchment area situated upstream of the Hirakud Dam.
Tribunal Intervention
- In 2018, following a petition filed by Odisha, the Supreme Court directed the Central Government to intervene.
- The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) was formally constituted on March 12, 2018.
- The MWDT was established under the provisions of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
Inter-State Water Disputes in India
- Nature of Conflicts: Disputes arise between neighboring states over the sharing of inter-state river waters, directly impacting basic water needs, agriculture, and public livelihoods.
- Constitutional Authority: Article 262 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to legislate the adjudication of any dispute or complaint regarding the use, distribution, or control of inter-state river or river valley waters.
- Statutory Mechanism: To formally settle these conflicts, Parliament enacted the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, pursuant to the powers granted under Article 262.
Consider the following statements:
I. The Seonath River is the largest tributary of the Mahanadi River.
II. The Ib River originates in the state of Chhattisgarh.
III. The Tel River is a right bank tributary of the Mahanadi River.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) I, II and III
Answer: (c) I and III only
Solution:
Statement I is correct. The Seonath River is the largest tributary of the Mahanadi River, joining it near Shivrinarayan, and plays a major role in the drainage system of central India.
Statement II is incorrect. The Ib River does not originate in Chhattisgarh; rather, it rises in the hills of Jharkhand and flows through Chhattisgarh and Odisha before joining the Mahanadi.
Statement III is correct. The Tel River is indeed a right bank tributary of the Mahanadi River, joining it in Odisha and contributing significantly to its water volume.
