Vamsadhara tribunal gave its nod for Neradi barrage

Amaravati: One of the major irrigation projects in the state and the only big project in North Coastal AP, Vamsadhara reservoir project will get momentum shortly. On Monday, Vamsadhara Tribunal, appointed by the Supreme Court to settle the dispute between Odisha and AP, delivered its judgment in favour of AP government.

A barrage was proposed across the Vamsadhara River at Neradi village in Bhamini mandal in Srikakulam district to divert water from the river to fill 19.50 TMC feet capacity of the reservoir located at Hiramandal. However, Odisha government sought legal relief saying that 106 acres extent of its land submerged due to the barrage. After field-level inspections, and investigating evidence from both states, the tribunal gave its nod for the construction of the barrage. The tribunal directed the Odisha government to cooperate with AP.

The tribunal also asked the AP government to prepare a design of the wall under supervision of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and fixed a deadline to finish the entire process by December 30 this year. Further trial was postponed to January 10 next year. The tribunal also refused Odisha’s plea to review its decision on Neradi barrage. Vamsadhara reservoir is a lifeline project for backward Srikakulam district, and it is the only major irrigation project in North Coastal AP.

“Tribunal decision reflects facts. Odisha has been creating hurdles for the Vamsadhara project from the beginning, and now decks are all cleared,” Minister for Roads and Buildings D Krishna Das said, expressing his happiness.