The Vamsadhara River Water Disputes Tribunal on Friday 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 the Neredi barrage.
The survey would 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 a three-day hearing, Andhra Pradesh had expressed its willingness to conduct a joint survey, which was demanded by Odisha.
The Vamsadhara is an inter-State river that originates from Thuamul Rampur of Odisha’s 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 theie areas. ‘
It is also alleged that the project would lead to siltation and a change in the course of the river.