BERHAMPUR: Construction of embankments on its side on the Vansadhara river by Andhra Pradesh government before monsoon without consulting its Orissa counterpart has again led to protests in Gajapati district.

Farmers of Kasinagar block of Gajapati district and its panchayat samiti have approached the State government as well as district administration on the issue. The chairman of Kasinagar block, K. Narayan Rao, said Andhra officials have initiated the process to reinforce embankment of the Vansadhara river with stone packing near Kidigam village from Monday. He has alleged that efforts are also on by Andhra officials to construct some spurs on their side. As these measures are being taken without consulting administrative officials in Orissa, Mr. Rao immediately brought it to the notice of Gajapati district administration.

Gajapati Collector D.V. Swami immediately sent a videographer to shoot the construction work taken up by Andhra officials.

BDO visits area

The Kasinagar Block Development Officer (BDO) and the Additional District Magistrate also visited the area to inspect the work taken up by their counterparts in Srikakulam district.

The Collector has also promised to take up the matter with his counterpart in Srikakulam district.

Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Rao said recent efforts by Andhra officials were violation of the bilateral agreement between both states in 1982 which says no flood protection work or river training works should be taken up on the Vansadhara river without the consent of both the governments.

The farmers of Kasinagar block fear that if the Andhra Government continues with the construction, there is a possibility of inundation of hundreds of acres of land in Kidigam, Rajapur and villages under Kasinagar NAC, affecting livelihood of around 300 farmers.

The Kasinagar panchayat Samiti has urged the State Government to immediately intervene and stop the work or take up similar measures on river bank on Orissa side as a counter action.

The Vansadhara river which traverses through both states has been the apple of discord between both states due to some projects taken up by Andhra government on it. The tussle over utilisation of water that flows through this river is yet to be resolved and Andhra Government is reportedly going ahead with the Katragada irrigation project on it despite protests by Orissa.

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