The controversy stems from official records showing that the tribunal team—comprising around 32–35 members including judges, experts, officials, and lawyers—visited several key sites across Odisha and Chhattisgarh from May 19 to May 28, 2023. During the Odisha leg, inspections were conducted at Hirakud, Jharsuguda, Chipilima, Ib Thermal, Sundargarh, Upper Jonk, Satkosia, Naraj, Mundali, Chilika, and Puri.
The expenditure included approximately₹1.85 croreon accommodation and food,₹1.87 croreon temporary infrastructure such as tents at inspection points, and₹1.33 croreon transportation and logistics. Critics, including members of the Mahanadi Bachao Andolan, allege excessive spending without adequate justification and have called for a thorough probe. The issue adds to earlier criticism of the BJD for spending₹33 croreon legal fees related to the dispute, intensifying the political demand for accountability and transparency.
