Vamsadhara water dispute: Odisha, Andhra to conduct joint survey

Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: The Vamsadhara River Water Disputes Tribunal today directed the State Governments of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to conduct a joint survey in the areas which are likely to be affected by construction of Neredi barrage.

The survey will be carried out by technical committees of both governments in the presence of officials of the Central Water Commission (CWC). The next hearing on the matter will be held on July 8.

During the three-day hearing, Andhra Pradesh had expressed its willingness to conduct the joint survey, which was demanded by Odisha.

Vamsadhara is an inter-state river that originates from Thuamul Rampur of Kalahandi district. Locals in Gajapati and Rayagada districts have been opposing the barrage construction alleging that it would cause inundation of low-lying villages in the areas. It is also being alleged that the project would lead to siltation and change in course of the river.