Green Light for Neradi: A New Era for Vamsadhara Water

All hurdles to the construction of the Neradi barrage across the Vamsadhara River have been removed following a gazette notification by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, formalising the verdict of the Vamsadhara Water Disputes Tribunal.

This development marks a significant resolution in the long-standing water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The tribunal’s final verdict in June 2021 authorised Andhra Pradesh to construct the barrage with a right sluice and directed compensation for 106 acres of land in Odisha. While delays persisted due to land acquisition challenges, the recent notification clears the way for the project to proceed.

The Vamsadhara River originates in Odisha and flows through Andhra Pradesh before emptying into the sea. Proposed in 1961, the Neradi project is designed to irrigate over 2.5 lakh acres and support a reservoir at Hiramandalam. Despite earlier infrastructure developments, including the Gotta barrage and Phase-II works, water utilisation remained limited. The Neradi barrage is expected to enhance irrigation efficiency and harness floodwaters that currently flow unused into the sea.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.