"The tribunal shall determine water-sharing among basin states on the basis of the overall availability of water in the complete Mahanadi basin, contribution of each state, the present utilisation of water resources in each state, and the potential for future development," a statement said.

The tribunal will help arrive at a final settlement of the long-pending dispute, it added.

The tribunal will have a chairman and two members nominated by the Chief Justice of India, along with two advisers water resources experts having experience in handling sensitive water-related issues.

The Tribunal is required to submit its report and decision within three years and it can be extended further by two years, if needed.