SC restrains Maharashtra from installing gates at barrage

New Delhi, Apr 26 (UNI)The Supreme court today restrained till further order the state of Maharastra from installing 13 proposed gates at barrage being constructed on Godavri river, to ensure free flow of water to Andhra Pradesh to ensure that the six districts of Telangana region in Andhra Pradesh do not face water crisis during lean period.

A bench comprising chief justice K G Balakrishnan, Justice R V Raveendran and justice D K Jain however gave green signal to Maharastra to go ahead with the construction of barrage but ruled that Maharashtra will not claim any equity because of the constrution till disposal of the suit.

The court in its order noted "In case the barrage is constructed and water is stopped in the dam then there will be reverse flow in the barrage. According to Andhra Pradesh constrution of barrage is against Godavri water tribunal decison awarded dated July 26 1998.

Several other questions were also raised by Andhra Pradesh. As issues have already been framed in the suit. Pending disposal of the suit Andhra Pradesh pressed that Maharasthra be restrained from proceeding with the constrution of the barrage, if at all there can be any obstrution to the free flow of water, it could only be after the 13 gates are fully installed. As Andhra Pradesh has raised serious objections, we are inclined to pass an interim order. As follows "Maharashtra may go ahead with the construction of the barrage but will not install 13 proposed gates till further order and Maharashtra will not claim any equity because of the cosntruction till final disposal of the suit".

The reservoir having capacity of 65 TMC feet water if filled to capacity by Maharashtra will stop supply to Panchembad dam which supplies water to Telangana region in the lean season and six districts of the region will face severe water crisis.

Earlier senior counsel K Parasaran appearing for the state of Andhra Pradesh had contended with the constrution of barrage will create water scarcity in Telangana region of the state and the state of Maharashtra cannot be allowed to construct barrage in gross violation of Godavri water Tribunal award.

Senior counsel AndhyArjuna appearing for the state of Maharashtra however defended the construction of barrage whcih started in 2005 and contended that no harm shall be caused to the interest of Andhra Pradesh as reservoir was only meant for meeting the requirements of Maharashtra region.

UNI