Prepare a brief note on the dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the river Mahanadi.

The dispute between the states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the river Mahanadi has been ongoing for several years. The Mahanadi is a major river in central India that originates in the highlands of Chhattisgarh and flows through Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

At the heart of the dispute is the construction of several dams and barrages on the Mahanadi by Chhattisgarh, which Odisha alleges has significantly reduced the flow of water downstream and caused severe drought conditions in the state. Odisha has argued that these dams have been built without proper clearance from the central government and in violation of the Inter-State Water Disputes Act of 1956, which requires states to seek permission from the central government before constructing any projects that could potentially impact the flow of water in interstate rivers.

In response, Chhattisgarh has maintained that the dams were built in accordance with all necessary approvals and that the reduced flow of water in the Mahanadi is due to natural causes such as drought and reduced rainfall.

The dispute has led to tensions between the two states and has been taken up by the Supreme Court of India, which has appointed a tribunal to resolve the matter. In its final report, the tribunal found that Chhattisgarh had indeed constructed dams and barrages on the Mahanadi without obtaining the necessary clearance from the central government, and ordered the state to release a minimum amount of water downstream to Odisha. However, the dispute has yet to be fully resolved, as Chhattisgarh has challenged the tribunal's ruling in the Supreme Court.

In addition to the legal and political aspects of the dispute, the Mahanadi river and its tributaries are also of significant cultural and economic importance to both states. The river supports the livelihoods of millions of people in the region, and its waters are used for irrigation, hydropower, and drinking water. The dispute has therefore had far-reaching implications for both Odisha and Chhattisgarh, and it will be important for both sides to find a resolution that is fair and sustainable.