AP, Karnataka discuss Paragodu at CWC meet

In a bid to resolve the stand-off between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka over Paragodu project, officials of the two states discussed the issue at a meeting convened by CWC.

In a bid to resolve the stand-off between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka over Paragodu project, officials of the two states on Friday discussed the issue at a meeting convened by Central Water Commission (CWC) but the talks remained inconclusive.

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"All the projects raised by both states were discussed. We have agreed on national norms and accepted standards", CWC Chairman R Jayaseelan told reporters after a nearly three-hour meeting.

Asked whether there was any meeting ground between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, who were on loggerheads over reservoir projects, Jayaseelan said "we have met on the ground and there was cordiality in the meeting".

The CWC Chairman declined to say whether the officials would meet again.

The meeting, earlier scheduled on June 24, was deferred after an all-party delegation from Karnataka had raised objections seeking to include Andhra Pradesh's "unapproved" projects.

Andhra Pradesh has raised objections to Paragodu and Upper Tunga projects in Karnataka which sought to include in talks the issue of "unapproved" projects like Telugu Ganga and Srisailam Left bank canal in Andhra Pradesh.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had led a delegation to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and others last week.