Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his Andhra counterpart YS Jagan Mohan Reddy have mutually decided to set up an institutional mechanism to find solutions to the nagging inter-state disputes including Kotia border issue.
During a meeting at the Convention Centre of Lok Seva Bhawan here Tuesday, the two CMs discussed a range of issues including water resources, common boundary, energy and left-wing extremism (LWE) and decided to set up an institutional mechanism to find solutions to the inter-state disputes. As per a joint statement issued by both the Chief Ministers, they decided to work closely on resolving the border dispute in Kotia group of villages, construction of Neradi barrage, Jhanjavathi reservoir,Polavaram, release of water for Bahuda river.
They also discussed the issuance of mutual no objection certificates (NOCs) for the Balimela and Upper
Sileru hydro electricity projects. Both the states resolved to extend support to tackling the problems of left-wing extremism and ganja cultivation, the statement said. It was resolved that both the states will continue the legacy of mutual cooperation in the true spirit of federalism. The Chief Ministers have decided that chief secretaries of both the states will set up an institutional mechanism to deliberate on outstanding is- sues and find a solution that is in the best interest of the people of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Similarly, both the states will work towards setting up of a chair for Odia and Telugu languages in BR Ambedkar University at Srikakulam and Berhampur University, respectively. Besides, appointment of language teachers in schools in border districts of the two states, supply of books and conduct of language exami nations will also be taken up to promote brotherhood .
PNN