Question- Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal for the constitution of Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal under Interstate River Dispute Act, 1956, on the request of which of the following states?
(a) West Bengal
(b) Odisha
(c) Jharkhand
(d) Chhattisgarh
Answer: (b)
Related Facts:
- On February 20th, 2018, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal for setting up tribunal under the Mahanadi Water Dispute-Interstate River Dispute Act, 1956, on the request of the state of Odisha.
- The tribunal will determine, on the basis of total availability of water in the entire Mahanadi basin, the contribution of each state, the distribution of water between the states having reservoir, the current use of water resources in every state and the possibility of future development.
- According to the provisions of the International River Water Dispute Act, 1956, there will be one chairman and two other members in the tribunal.
- These may be nominated by the Chief Justice of India, from the Supreme Court or the High Court judges.
- Apart from this, services of two assessors’ expert in the field of water resources will be provided to advice in the proceedings of the tribunal.
- According to the provisions of the ISRWD Act, 1956, the tribunal will have to submit its report and decisions within a period of three years, which cannot be extended beyond 2 years due to inevitable reasons.
- It is noteworthy that with the judicial settlement of the dispute by the tribunal, the final settlement of the pending dispute between the Odisha and the Chhattisgarh states on the Mahanadi will be resolved.
Reference:
http://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1521034