Andhra constructs 'illegal' barrage in Gajapati.

The inefficiency of the State Government has allowed the Andhra Pradesh Government to dominate in the border areas of the State. The growing number of Illegal intrusions, forcible constructions, encroachments, lease and auctions just shows Orissa Government's miserable failure. Taking advantage of the State's lax attitude, the AP Government is frequently undertaking many illegal activities on the State's borders.In 1980, the AP Government kept the gate of a barrage down in the rainy season and due to a devastating flood in the Banshadhara river many lives were lost and property destroyed in Kashinagar and Gunupur.But due to the then Government's strong reprimand, an accord was signed between the two States. It was clearly stated that during heavy rains or floods one of the barrage's gates in AP would remain open and constructions, lease or encroachments on any river, mountain and roads on the AP-Orissa border would not be carried out with discussions between the two sides.However, the AP Government openly flouted the agreement and constructed 12 barrages on the Bansadhara river.It changed the river's course in the 2002-03 rainy seasons. The water entered into more than 20 villages of the State and destroyed hundred of acres of agricultural land.After much outcry AP Government removed only four barrages and claimed to have removed all. In the present situation AP is collecting sand from the river bed near Abhilima in Gajapati district from its side due to which the area has become hollow.The AP Government has already completed a survey, and have dumped a huge quantity of stones for building a barrage here,which would ultimately damage some more villages and agricultural land if the State Government does not lodge a strong protest in time ,said the locals.