Tribunal allows AP to continue barrage works opposed by Odisha

New Delhi: The Special Tribunal on Vansadhara water dispute dealt a severe blow to Odisha on Wednesday by allowing Andhra Pradesh (AP) government to resume construction of two barrages on the controversial river near Katragada and Naredi.

Work on the barrages was stalled after Odisha had raised objection with the tribunal. The Odisha Government had strongly opposed the barrages as well as side weir on the ground that a few villages would be submerged in its territory.

While Naredi got a clean chit for continuation of construction, the tribunal has set certain conditions for restarting work on Katragada barrage.

It also directed for setting up a committee, which will ensure that the court order is strictly complied with by the AP government. The four-member panel will comprise two officials from Central Water Commission (CWC) and two representatives, one each from Odisha and AP.