The tri-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New-Delhi on Monday with the Union Water Resources Ministry, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra Chief Ministers resolved to direct the Central Water Commission to continue to strictly verify the compliance of the Supreme Court's interim order on the Babli issue between Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Union Water Resources Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal announced this to journalists in National Capital, along with the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah and his Maharashtra counterpart Ashok Chavan, after the meeting held in Dr. Singh's residence. Mr. Bansal said the decision was taken as the Supreme Court would be adjudicating the matter soon to August 16.

The Chief Ministers of the two States agreed to strictly abide by the Supreme Court's interim order, he said. However, Mr. Bansal refused to take any question, so also the two Chief Ministers. The Supreme Court, in its interim order in 2007, said Maharashtra could continue with the construction of the barrage, but not install the 13 crest-gates on the solid structure, which is important as their height determines how much water can be stored. Later, Andhra Pradesh filed a contempt petition against Maharashtra for not implementing the Supreme Court's interim order. The Maharashtra government had installed all the 13 crest-gates as planned originally in violation of the order, claims the A.P. government. It maintained that Babli was constructed within the foreshores of the Sriramsagar project reservoir, and, therefore, it would curtail inflows to Andhra Pradesh.

Published Date : Tuesday, Aug 3, 10:20pm IST

Watch Video....