Mahanadi River Dispute: Constitutional Framework and UPSC Notes

UPSC Mapping

Prelims	Article 262, Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, Mahanadi River
Mains	GS Paper II – Federalism and Inter-State River Water Disputes

Quick Facts

Origin	Sihawa Hills, Chhattisgarh
Length	Approximately 851 km
Mouth	Bay of Bengal near Paradip

Article

Mahanadi River Dispute has once again come into focus following renewed differences between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the sharing and management of river waters. The issue highlights India’s constitutional framework for resolving inter-state river water disputes while balancing federal cooperation and sustainable river basin management. Aspirants can also explore the daily current affairs archive for more polity and governance updates.

What is the Mahanadi River Dispute?

The Mahanadi River Dispute is a long-standing inter-state river water dispute primarily between Odisha and Chhattisgarh concerning the sharing and utilisation of the Mahanadi River waters.

The dispute centres on the construction of water infrastructure, river water utilisation and the equitable sharing of water resources between the upper and lower riparian states.

Why is the Mahanadi River Dispute in News?

The dispute has once again attracted attention following renewed discussions between Odisha and Chhattisgarh regarding the management of Mahanadi river waters.

The issue has also highlighted the constitutional and legal mechanisms available for resolving inter-state river water disputes in India.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

India has established constitutional provisions and legislation to manage disputes relating to inter-state rivers.

• Article 262: Empowers Parliament to provide for the adjudication of disputes relating to inter-state river waters.
• Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956: Provides for the establishment of tribunals to adjudicate disputes over inter-state river waters.
• River Boards Act, 1956: Enables the establishment of River Boards for river basin planning, although no River Board has been constituted under this Act.
• Entry 17 (State List): Water is primarily a State subject.
• Entry 56 (Union List): Parliament may regulate and develop inter-state rivers in the public interest.

Other Important Inter-State River Water Disputes

• Cauvery: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.
• Krishna: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
• Godavari: Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
• Ravi-Beas: Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
• Mahadayi (Mandovi): Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.
• Vamsadhara: Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Mahanadi River: Key Facts

• Origin: Sihawa Hills in Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh.
• Length: Approximately 851 km.
• States covered: Chhattisgarh, Odisha and a small part of Jharkhand.
• Mouth: Empties into the Bay of Bengal near Paradip, forming a fertile delta.
• Major left-bank tributaries: Seonath, Hasdeo and Mand.
• Major right-bank tributaries: Ong, Tel, Jonk and Ib.

Way Forward

Effective resolution of inter-state river disputes requires cooperative federalism, transparent data sharing and scientific river basin management. Strengthening institutional mechanisms and promoting dialogue among riparian states can ensure equitable and sustainable utilisation of river waters.

Integrated water resource management and timely implementation of tribunal or judicial decisions remain essential for reducing conflicts and enhancing water security. Official information is available through the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and the Central Water Commission.

Prelims Practice Corner

• Q1. Article 262 of the Constitution relates to? Answer: Inter-State River Water Disputes.
• Q2. The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act was enacted in? Answer: 1956.
• Q3. The Mahanadi River originates from? Answer: Sihawa Hills.
• Q4. Which of the following is a right-bank tributary of the Mahanadi? Answer: Tel.
• Q5. The Mahanadi empties into the? Answer: Bay of Bengal.

Mains Practice Questions

• Q1. Examine the constitutional and legal framework governing inter-state river water disputes in India with reference to the Mahanadi dispute. (10 marks)
• Q2. Discuss the challenges in resolving inter-state river water disputes in India and suggest measures for sustainable water governance. (15 marks)

FAQs on Mahanadi River Dispute

Which states are involved in the Mahanadi River dispute?

The dispute is primarily between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the sharing and utilisation of Mahanadi river waters.

What is Article 262 of the Constitution?

Article 262 empowers Parliament to provide for the adjudication of disputes relating to inter-state river waters.

Where does the Mahanadi River originate?

The Mahanadi originates from the Sihawa Hills in Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh and flows into the Bay of Bengal near Paradip.