In a major setback for Odisha, the special tribunal on Bansadhara water dispute on Wednesday gave a green signal to the Andhra Pradesh Government to go ahead with the construction of two barrages on the river near Katragada and Naredi.The works on the barrages had been delayed after Odisha raised objection with the tribunal.Though Naredi project got a go-ahead for continuation of construction, the tribunal, pronouncing its verdict, set conditions for the Katragada barrage.
The tribunal also ordered setting up of a committee which would oversee whether the court order is strictly followed or not. The four-member panel would comprise two officials from the Central Water Commission (CWC) and two representatives, one each from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.The Odisha Government has been strongly objecting to the construction of the barrages as well as side weirs on the ground that several villages in the State’s territory would be submerged