A team of the Central Tribunal under the leadership of its chairman Justice Mukundam Sharma made field inspection in affected villages in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh pertaining to the row over Vamsadhara river water use.
They visited Sara village under Kasinagar block in Gajapati district on December 24 and 25. The team discussed with the villagers of both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
The team disclosed that the first hearing on the issue will be held on March 5 and 6 and the second hearing will be on April 4, 5 and 6.
Sources said the tribunal directed the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh Governments on January 28 to set up a joint technical committee comprising engineers from both the States.
The Odisha Government in its petition before the tribunal said that the Katragadda and Nereddy barrages are against the interest of the farmers of Odisha. On the other hand, AP urged chairperson Justice Sharma to resolve the dispute as early as possible for the maximum utilisation of the water.
Meanwhile, a mass protest was held in Gajapati and Rayagada districts, especially in Kasinagar block.