Tribunal jolt to Odisha; AP gets nod to continue barrage works on Bansadhara

New Delhi: In a major setback to Odisha, the special tribunal on Bansadhara water dispute today granted a go-ahead to government of Andhra Pradesh for construction of two barrages on the controversial river near Katragada and Naredi. The work on the barrages was stalled after Odisha had raised objection with the tribunal.

Though Naredi got a clean chit for continuation of construction, the tribunal, pronouncing the verdict, set certain conditions for Katragada barrage.

“The decision has been taken based on the 1962 agreement. The Andhra Pradesh government has been directed to compensate all losses suffered by Odisha,” said Odisha government’s lawyer Radhashyam Jena.

The tribunal also ordered to set up a committee which will oversee whether the court order is strictly followed or not. The four-member panel will comprise of two officials from Central Water Commission (CWC) and two representatives, one each from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

“Compensation in so far as 106 arces to be acquired is concerned, the state of Andhra Pradesh is required to pay to the State of Odisha,” said Andhra Pradesh government’s lawyer, D Srinivas.