By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, June 10, 2017 : Odisha appears to have won the battle of wits with centre on Mahanadi water dispute issue with Chhattisgarh with the Negotiation Committee constituted by union ministry of water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation to resolve the dispute has decided not to hold any more meetings.

The committee stated that no amicable settlement on the issue was reached as both the states are not providing facts on Mahanadi. Rather, the committee has passed the ball into the court of ministry suggesting that the latter should take steps to resolve the issue.

This decision comes as a major setback for the Centre as Supreme Court will hear on the petition filed by Odisha Government for formation of a special Tribunal on the Mahanadi water dispute under the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956, on July 25.

From the beginning, Odisha was against the Negotiation Committee saying that it would not solve the issue. It had been demanding formation of a tribunal to resolve the Mahanadi dispute. However, the Union Government constituted the negotiation committee on January 19 this year for amicable settlement of the same.

Meanwhile, Mahanadi River Waterkeeper and Convenor of Water Initiatives Odisha (WIO), Ranjan Panda accused both Odisha and Chhattisgarh governments of not disclosing water flow data.

“At the moment, lack of water flow data seems to be the major bone of contention. The recent turn of events show there is complete lack of data and distrust between both the governments. If this continues, monsoon will play devastation in the basin,” Panda cautioned.

With the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting a near to 100% monsoon this year and there is every possibility of flooding in the Mahanadi basin. “Lack of coordination between both the states on water flow data and flood management will be fatal for people downstream. Hirakud dam’s safety will also be at stake,” warns Panda.