Neradi Barrage Cleared After Tribunal Verdict

The long-pending Neradi Barrage project across the Vamsadhara River has received a major boost following the final verdict of the River Water Tribunal and the issuance of a gazette notification by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu announced on 2 April.

Describing the development as a historic milestone, the Minister said the decision clears all obstacles to the construction of the barrage and its associated infrastructure, offering renewed hope to the agrarian communities of Srikakulam district.

According to the Tribunal’s ruling, the availability of water at the Gotta Barrage has been fixed at 115 TMC, with half of this allocation set to benefit Andhra Pradesh. Rammohan Naidu stated that the project would significantly enhance irrigation capacity, enabling farmers to expand cultivation and paving the way for transforming the district into a more fertile and productive region.

He noted that the issue had long been a sensitive and complex inter-state matter, and said he had consistently raised it in Parliament and on national platforms to push for a resolution. He also recalled having earlier expressed confidence in the project’s completion during the 69th birth anniversary observance of late leader Yerran Naidu.

The Minister expressed optimism that the barrage would contribute to both economic growth and agricultural development in Srikakulam. He assured that the project would be executed efficiently and transparently with public support.

Rammohan Naidu also conveyed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Union Ministers, and members of the Tribunal for their role in resolving the long-standing issue.