SC rejects Mah's contention in Godavari water dispute

New Delhi, Mar 26 (UNI) The Supreme Court today rejected the contention of Maharashtra government challenging the maintainability of suit filed by Andhra Pradesh in Godavari water dispute.

A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan, justices Altamas Kabir and R V Raveendran rejected the contention of Maharashtra and held that the suit filed by Andhra Pradesh seeking to restrain Maharashtra government from constructing Shree Ram Sagar Dam project, under which Maharashtra is constructing a barrage at Babhali for oincreasing its storage capacity, is maintainable.

The apex court has already directed Maharashtra government that it can go ahead with the construction of the barrage, but shall not close 13 gates till further order.

Godavari river has 126 km long storage area out of which 71 km is in Andhra Pradesh, while remaining 55 km is in Maharashtra.

UNI SC SLD KN2200