The proposed construction of the Neradi Barrage project across the Vamsadhara River by Andhra Pradesh has triggered severe political and local concerns in Odisha.
With the impending acquisition and transfer of 106 acres of land from Odisha to Andhra Pradesh, the Odisha Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee has strongly intervened to prioritise the state’s land rights, water allocation, farmers’ livelihoods, and environmental safety.
The recent developments follow the Vamsadhara Water Disputes Tribunal’s order on March 30, 2026, granting Andhra Pradesh permission to construct the barrage. According to the tribunal’s directives, Clause 4 provides water rights through right and left sluice canals for Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, respectively, while Clause 8 mandates Odisha to acquire and transfer 106 acres of land within one year. Although Clause 10 states that Andhra Pradesh will bear the compensation and acquisition expenses, local citizens view the verdict as heavily skewed and detrimental to Odisha’s core interests due to political imbalances.
On October 5, a heated discussion was held during the 12th meeting of the Standing Committee, chaired by senior leader Ranendra Pratap Swain. The Water Resources Department presented its data regarding the Odisha portion of the barrage, drawing intense questioning from committee members over local anxieties.
Key apprehensions highlighted during the meeting include:
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Flooding and Backwater Threats: Experts and local communities fear that the barrage will increase backwater logging and severe flood risks in downstream regions like Gajapati district (particularly Sarara, Badigam, and Palasingi).
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Comprehensive Impact Assessment: Lawmakers emphasised that a joint verification by the Kashinagar tehsil and Ganjam investigation division is underway, but a detailed scientific study on the project’s true footprint is vital before parting with land.
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Legal and Strategic Caution: Given that a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Odisha remains pending, committee members stressed that the government must proceed with utmost caution and clarity on its legal stance.
Concluding the session, Committee Chairman Sri Ranendra Pratap Swain asserted that safeguarding Odisha’s overarching interests must remain the government’s top priority. The panel has directed the concerned department to submit a comprehensive blueprint—including complete design details, technical studies on waterlogging, environmental impact reports, and safeguards for local water rights—before any land transfer moves forward.
