Neradi Barrage Project Finally Cleared After Two Decades of Delays
The long-awaited Neradi Barrage project on the Vamsadhara River has received official clearance, marking a significant milestone after two decades of planning and disputes. The Kendra Jala Sakthi Ministry has released a gazette notification based on the Vamsadhara River Water Disputes Tribunal (VWDT) judgment, paving the way for construction to begin.
Key Approvals and Water Allocation Details
According to the gazette, the Andhra Pradesh government has been granted explicit permission to proceed with the construction of the Neradi Barrage. The tribunal has finalized the water availability at the Gotta Barrage on the Vamsadhara River at 115 thousand million cubic feet (TMC). This water resource will be shared equally between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, ensuring a fair distribution for both states.
With this clearance, the AP government can now initiate other linked constructions associated with the Neradi Barrage on the Vamsadhara River. The project includes the development of a Right Head Sluice with a design capacity of 8,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) to cater to Andhra Pradesh's needs, and a Left Head Sluice to meet Odisha's requirements.
Land Acquisition and Compensation Arrangements
For the construction of the Neradi Barrage, the Odisha government will acquire 106 acres of land within its territory and hand it over to Andhra Pradesh. The AP government will bear all compensation costs and other related expenses, streamlining the process and facilitating cooperation between the two states.
Additional Water Usage Permissions
Furthermore, the Andhra Pradesh government has received permission to utilize eight TMC of water annually from June 1 to November 30. This water will be accessed through a sideweir constructed at Katragedda. Once the barrage construction is completed, this sideweir will be closed, ensuring efficient water management and adherence to the tribunal's directives.
This development is expected to enhance water resource management, support agricultural and industrial needs, and foster inter-state collaboration on river water sharing, bringing relief to regions dependent on the Vamsadhara River.
