States » EastPosted at: Oct 6 2026 1:01PM


Odisha Assembly panel seeks impact assessment before Neredi barrage land transfer

Bhubaneswar, Oct 6 (UNI) The Odisha Assembly Standing Committee has directed the state government to undertake a comprehensive scientific assessment of the likely impact of Andhra Pradesh’s proposed Neredi barrage on Odisha’s water rights, land, agriculture, environment and livelihoods before transferring 106 acres of land to the neighbouring state.
The issue was discussed at length at the 12th meeting of the Standing Committee, chaired by senior BJD legislator Ranendra Pratap Swain, on October 5, during which the Water Resources Department placed details of the Odisha portion of the proposed barrage on the Vamsadhara river before the panel.
The committee sought detailed information from the concerned departments on the likely impact of the project on people and areas in Odisha and emphasised that no decision on land transfer should be taken without a proper assessment of its wider consequences.
The Vamsadhara Water Disputes Tribunal, in its order dated March 30, 2026, permitted Andhra Pradesh to construct the Neredi barrage. Under Clause 4 of the order, Andhra Pradesh is entitled to draw 8,000 cusecs of water through the right-side sluice canal, while Odisha's water entitlement is to be protected through the left-side sluice canal.
Clause 8 provides for acquisition of 106 acres of land in Odisha and its transfer to Andhra Pradesh for construction of the barrage. The land is required to be handed over within one year of publication of the tribunal order in the Gazette.
Under Clause 10, the Andhra Pradesh government will bear the compensation, charges and other expenses payable by Odisha in connection with the land acquisition.
The proposed transfer of land has, however, triggered concerns in the affected areas over whether the identified 106 acres would cover the entire area that could potentially be impacted by the barrage.
According to departmental information, villages and areas including Sara, Badigam and Palasingi in Gajapati district are likely to be affected. The committee sought detailed information from the government on the extent and nature of the possible impact.
Departmental records indicate that the Gajapati Collector has so far not received any formal proposal for acquisition of land for the Neredi barrage.
The committee also raised concerns over the possibility of increased backwater, waterlogging and flood risks in the Vamsadhara basin after construction of the barrage. Such changes could have implications for agricultural land, farming activities and livelihoods in downstream areas of Odisha.
In view of the recent flood situation in southern Odisha, the panel directed the Water Resources Department to undertake a detailed assessment of the possible risks associated with the project.
Before proceeding with acquisition and transfer of land, the committee has sought the complete project design and plan, an independent technical assessment of possible waterlogging, maps showing the affected areas, an environmental impact assessment report and details of safeguards proposed to protect Odisha's water rights.
The committee also called for caution in proceeding with the land transfer as Odisha had earlier raised objections to the Neredi barrage project and a related Special Leave Petition is pending before the Supreme Court.
Sources said Swain advised the government to keep the interests of Odisha in view while deciding the further course of action.
The committee observed that the proposed acquisition of 106 acres could not be treated merely as a land transfer issue, as the project has wider implications for Odisha's water rights, agriculture, environment and the interests of people living in the affected areas.
It stressed that further action should be taken only after a comprehensive scientific assessment of all possible impacts of the project.
UNI DP.
Tags: #Odisha Assembly panel seeks impact assessment before Neredi barrage land transfer
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