Tribunal only alternative to resolve Mahanadi row: CPI(M)

The CPI(M) today advocated for setting up of a tribunal to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh saying it is the only alternative to resolve the problem.
Odisha needs water for its farmers while Chhattisgarh required it to feed industries, CPI(M) state Secretariat member Janardan Pati said adding that the fight is between farmers and industries.
"As per the provisions of the Constitution of India and Inter-state River Water Dispute Act, 1956, there is no harm in setting up a tribunal," he told reporters here.
Odisha has been opposing construction of a number of barrages and dams by Chhattisgarh on the upper reaches of the Mahanadi river saying it would affect the state's farmers.

The Centre had told the Supreme Court on December 6 that the ongoing dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over Mahanadi should be sorted out through negotiations between the parties concerned.
The CPI(M) leader also criticised the Centre for backtracking from tribunal formation after making a commitment in the Supreme Court.
He also alleged that the BJP leaders were misleading the people of Odisha over Mahanadi issue.
Meanwhile, activists of Samajwadi Party today staged a silent demonstration here and appealed to the Supreme Court for adjudication of Mahanadi water dispute by setting up a tribunal.