First CS level meeting between Odisha, AP held on bilateral issues

Bhubaneswar, Jan 11:  Following the decisions taken in the meeting between Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagmohan Reddy, the first Chief Secretary level meeting between the two states was held today for mutual discussion of the bilateral issues. The meeting was held on digital mode under the co-chairmanship of Odisha Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra and AP Chief Secretary Sameer Sharma. The meeting ended with an encouraging note as both sides could understand the issues from each other’s perspectives through discussions. The major problems regarding inter-state transportation, road connectivity, filling of the teaching posts in Odia and Telgu medium schools and colleges operating in both the States, and setting up of Odia Language Chair in Dr B.R. Amedkar University at Srikakulam and Telgu Language Chair in Berhampur University were mutually agreed to be carried forward. Mahapatra highlighted the need for road communication to Swabhiman Anchal from AP side. He said the area was well connected through Gurupriya Setu and the naxal issues were curtailed significantly from Odisha side. Road communication from AP side would add to ending the problem of left wing extremism in the area. Sharma welcomed the proposal and agreed to construct five major roads from Andhra side. Further, Chief Secretary Mahapatra made it clear that joint demarcation committee of both the States at district level  would demarcate the border area where maps were clear and not under dispute. It was further decided that the issues relating to Machhkund joint hydroelectric project would be examined by the project administration committee (PAC) under the co-chairmanship of the Principal Secretaries of Energy of both the States. The meeting of the PAC would be convened shortly for carrying forward three small hydro-electric projects namely Balimela Dam Toe, Japaput SHEP, and Lower Machhkund SHEP. The matter relating to issue of no objection certificates from both the sides for pump storage projects taking water from the reservoirs was discussed in detail. Chief Secretary Mahapatra said that the certificates should be issued keeping in view the water share of each State as per the mutual agreement. Managing Directors of OSRTC and APSRTC would meet shortly for finalizing the terms and conditions of reciprocal transport agreement between two States. The meeting also resolved that technical committee of both States would deliberate the issues relating to the proposed projects underwater resources department.  The Principal Secretaries of various departments of both the States participated in discussions. From Odisha side, Development Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena, Water Resources Secretary Anu Garg, Revenue and Disaster Management Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, Energy Secretary Nikunja Bihari Dhal along with other senior officers participated in deliberations.