Bhubaneswar, July 3 (UDN): The Mahanadi Banchao Andolan (MBA) has sought a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of the ₹2.41 crore reportedly spent on the visit of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal to Odisha, alleging that the expenditure warrants greater transparency and public accountability.
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In a memorandum submitted to the authorities, the organisation questioned the expenditure incurred during the tribunal’s visit and demanded a comprehensive audit to ascertain whether public funds were utilised in accordance with prescribed financial norms and procedures.
MBA leaders alleged that the amount spent on the tribunal’s visit was unusually high and called for the expenditure details to be placed in the public domain. The organisation said a CAG audit would help ensure transparency and strengthen public confidence in the management of government funds.
The activists also urged the state government to disclose a detailed break-up of the expenses, including logistics, accommodation, transportation and other arrangements made during the tribunal’s visit.
The demand comes amid continued public interest in issues related to the Mahanadi river water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, with the tribunal playing a crucial role in adjudicating the long-pending matter.
There has been no immediate response from the state government or the concerned authorities regarding the demand for a CAG audit. Officials are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
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