Model Answer

The recent tripartite talks between the Centre, Odisha and Chhattisgarh mark a renewed attempt to resolve the long-pending Mahanadi water dispute through dialogue. The issue reflects the challenge of balancing state interests with cooperative federalism.

Constitutional and federal issues involved

1. Interstate rivers require cooperative management. e.g: Entry 56 of Union List empowers Parliament to regulate inter-state rivers.
2. Water is primarily a State subject, creating jurisdictional tensions. e.g: Entry 17 of State List.
3. Adjudication is often prolonged, delaying certainty. e.g: Article 262 and the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
4. Upstream development affects downstream livelihoods. e.g: Odisha's concerns over barrages constructed in Chhattisgarh.
5. Climate variability has intensified competing demands. e.g: Irregular monsoons reducing dependable river flows.

Measures for timely and cooperative resolution

1. Prioritise negotiated settlements before prolonged litigation. e.g: Recent Centre-led talks between both Chief Ministers.
2. Strengthen joint technical mechanisms for scientific water assessment. e.g: Central Water Commission-supported data sharing.
3. Ensure real-time hydrological data transparency. e.g: Basin-wide monitoring systems.
4. Adopt integrated river basin management. e.g: National Water Policy recommendations.
5. Complete tribunal proceedings within defined timelines. e.g: Institutional reforms proposed under the Inter-State River Water Disputes framework.
6. Encourage permanent inter-state coordination mechanisms. e.g: River Basin Organisations for continuous dialogue.

Way Forward

1. Institutionalise basin-level cooperative governance with regular Centre-State consultations.
2. Use technology-driven real-time data sharing to build trust among riparian states.
3. Balance developmental needs with ecological sustainability through integrated basin planning.

The Mahanadi dispute demonstrates that durable water governance cannot rely solely on adjudication. Cooperative federalism, scientific planning and sustained political dialogue remain the most effective path towards equitable and sustainable river sharing.