DNS Report: P. Raja, Bureau Chief, Bhubaneshwar)

Bhubaneshwar, Nov 9, 2021 ( DNS Online): Mr. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and Mr. Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha had a very cordial and fruitful meeting here in Bhubaneshwar on Tuesday. Both the states not only share borders but also a long and glorious history and heritage. 

CM of AP had visited Bhubaneshwar to meet Mr. Patnaik to discuss few important and long standing pending issues.

At times of need, both states have extended full cooperation and assistance, a fact borne out during the natural disasters in the past. 

A number of issues of mutual interest were discussed by the two Chief Ministers,

particularly in the field of water resources, common boundary, energy and left-wing extremism. 

It was decided to work closely on resolving the following issues:

- Kotia group of villages (Border villages in Vizianagaram district in AP)

- Naredi Barrage

- Janjhavati Reservoir

- Polavaram

- Release of water for Bhahuda river

- Mutual NOC for the Balimela and Upper Sileru in Energy sector

Both the states resolved to extend support towards tackling problem of left-wing extremism and ganja cultivation.

The States will work towards setting up a chair for Odia and Telugu languages in B.R. Ambedkar

University, 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 examination will also be taken up to promote brotherhood. 

It was resolved that both the states will continue the legacy of mutual cooperation and in the true spirit of Federalism  discuss issues between the two states. The Chief Ministers have decided that Chief  Secretaries of both the states will set up an institutional mechanism to deliberate on outstanding issues and find a solution that is in the best interest of the people of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.