Godavari dispute: SC directs AP, Mah to find political accord

New Delhi, Apr 10 (UNI) The Supreme Court today directed the state of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra to find a political solution to the Godavari water dispute.

A bench comprising chief justice Y.K. Sabharwal, Mr. Justice Arun Kumar and Mr. Justice D.K. Jain also directed the union Water Resource Minister to call a meeting of the top functionaries of the two state governments to find out an amicable solution to the problem regarding sharing of the water of the river Godavari and if need be may request the Prime Minister to intervene.

The petitioner Madhu Yaski Goud has sought directions to the state of Maharashtra to implement the agreement dated Oct. 6,1975 signed by the two states. The petitioner has also sought directions to Maharashtra to stop construction of Babhali Barrage undertaken by it by encroaching the Pochamped Reservoir in the submergence area of Sri Ganga Sagar Project, across the Godavari river.

The petitioner has alleged that no action has been taken to stop the construction of Barrage despite representations made by six affected districts of Andhra Pradesh and members of Parliament from the state.

The court kept the matter pending.

UNI AKS/SC RP DS1630