NANDED/MUMBAI: The protest by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President and former Andhra Pradesh (AP) Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu comes at a time when the work of Babhali Barrage is nearly complete - and further hearing of the matter is scheduled in Supreme Court in August 2010. And, the Maharashtra Government is right within its jurisdiction not to allow Naidu inspection of the barrage.

“The work of barrage is nearly completed. Some works like electrification for operation of gates of barrage, construction of generator room and inspection chowki are in progress. The work of Water Bound Macadam (WBM) of approach road on left and right side is completed,” a senior officials of the Maharashtra Government said on Monday.

The administrative approval was accorded to the Bhabali Barrage (located in Dharmabad taluka) on March 10, 2995 and the revised cost of works was Rs 220.90 crore. “So far, Rs 165 crore has already been spent,” the officials said.

The Babhali Barrage (in Nanded district of Marathwada region) is being constructed on Godavari river, which is situated 83 kms from Nanded city.

This barrage is 7 kms upstream of the Andhra Pradesh-Maharashtra border and confluence of Godawari and Manjra rivers and is within the Maharashtra territory. This barrage will cater the need of drinking water for 58 villages and irrigate 7995 hectares of land.

AP’s objection

As the barrage is being constructed within the backwater of Pochampad Dam, the Maharashtra government is violating the Godavari Water Dispute Agreement dated October 6, 1975.

Maharashtra's contention

The barrage is being constructed 7 kms upstream of state border and within Maharashtra’s territory. The Maharashtra government has prepared the schemes within limits of the share allotted by Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal award.

INTERIM ORDER

The apex court’s order on April 26, 2007:

- Though the Maharashtra Government may go ahead with the construction of the Babhali Barrage, it shall not install the proposed 13 gates until further orders.

- As the Maharashtra Government is permitted to proceed with the construction at its own risk, it will not claim any equity by reason of the construction being carried on by it.