Home Acts Tribunals MoM to consider various water resources issues in Mahanadi Basin on 17.09.2016
MoM to consider various water resources issues in Mahanadi Basin on 17.09.2016
The Govt. of Odisha had represented that Chhattisgarh had started many projects upstream of Hirakud Dam, which would have long term effect on the flow downstream especially during the lean period. The effect of ongoing projects upstream of Hirakud on long term flows downstream in Odisha will result as retain of the major portion of the non-monsoon flow of water and will also affect ecologically sensitive Coastal and delta area of Mahanadi. As such, Govt. of Odisha has urged that the Government of Chhattisgarh should stop work of all ongoing projects for three months.
On the other hand, Chhattisgarh pleaded that 52.9% of the total catchment of Mahanadi and 89.9% of catchment upto Hirakud lies in their State and they had a right to use the water of Mahanadi. Chhattisgarh pointed out that Odisha had also commenced certain major and medium projects without informing them as the upper riparian State.
In view of above, Ministry of Water Resource, RD & GR has convened two meetings viz. 29.7.2016 and 17.09.2016 to consider various water resources issues in Mahanadi Basin. In the meeting held on 17.09.2016 under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister for WR,RD & GR with Chief Ministers of Odisha and Chhattisgarh and following decisions were deliberated :-
Special Committee to list out the water resources projects in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, under construction without the approval of Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of M/o Water Resources, RD&GR under chairmanship of Dr. Amarjit Singh, OSD, MoWR,RD&GR, will be formed.
Formation of an Expert Committee with the representatives of CWC, Government of Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Government of Chhattisgarh shared information with respect to ongoing projects. However, Government of Odisha has referred the matter under Inter-State River Water Dispute Act, 1956 for adjudication of the matter. This Ministry constituted a Negotiation Committee as per ISRWD, Act, 1956 vide letter dated 19th January, 2017.