BJD Delegation Engages CWC Chairman Over Polavaram Project Concerns in Odisha
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Bhubaneswar, Dec 5 (NationPress) A senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) delegation, headed by former minister Debi Prasad Mishra, convened with the Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC) to discuss pressing issues surrounding the Polavaram Project in Andhra Pradesh and its likely effects on Odisha, particularly in the Malkangiri district.
The delegation included prominent BJD Rajya Sabha MPs such as Sasmit Patra, Manas Mangaraj, Sulata Deo, Niranjan Bishi, Subashis Khuntia, alongside former MPs Ramesh Majhi and Pradeep Majhi, media coordinator Priyabrata Majhi, and spokesperson Bhrugu Buxipatra.
During a press conference after the meeting, Debi Mishra highlighted that the safety and welfare of the Malkangiri populace should be prioritized and urged the Central government to pause the dam's construction until all concerns are adequately addressed.
He stated, "The issues faced by Odisha, particularly the repercussions of the Polavaram Project on our tribal communities, have been consistently overlooked. We advocate for a fresh evaluation of the backwater impacts and a thorough review of the environmental and social consequences of the project. No further progress on the dam should occur without resolving these pivotal issues."
The BJD delegation brought to attention several significant problems related to the project, including inconsistencies in submergence levels and the design flood capacity. They emphasized that the CWC's revision of the design flood to 50 lakh cusecs, without appropriate consultation with Odisha, jeopardizes the safety and livelihoods of tribal communities.
According to a report from IIT Roorkee, a flood event of 58 lakh cusecs could inundate extensive areas in Odisha, far surpassing the previously established submergence levels.
The delegation also expressed concerns regarding inadequate resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) plans for the tribal populations impacted by the Polavaram project, highlighting the lack of appropriate surveys and consultations.
They urged the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the CWC to take swift measures to conduct a new backwater impact study, address the safety issues faced by the affected communities, and ensure the R&R process is finalized prior to any further construction of the dam.
The delegation mentioned a 2022 Supreme Court directive, which called for the Ministry of Jal Shakti to take a proactive role in addressing the technical and environmental challenges linked to the project.
They expressed discontent over the Odisha Government's persistent requests for action that have not been adequately met.
Additionally, the BJD delegation had met with Union Minister of Jal Shakti C R Patil in New Delhi on December 3, urging his intervention in this matter.
