Odisha: Polavaram Project takes off sans MoTA, Green Clearances

Bhubaneswar, Jan 1: Odisha government claimed that the controversial Polavaram irrigation project never obtained clearances from Union Tribal Affairs Ministry and environment. The irrigation project has been taken up by Andhra Pradesh government with support from Centre.

Speaking to media Odisha Water Resources secretary PK Jena said no clearances have been obtained from concerned ministries for Polavaram project.

As per officials, many around 7656 hectres of land and 26 tribal villages will submerge if the project takes off.

Jena said that Water Resources Department has submitted its report on the project to the House Committee. And, a committee formed by Odisha Assembly is likely to discuss about the impact of irrigation project in Odisha with Prime Minister of India. The committee has requested Prime Minister’s Office for appointment with Prime Minister.

A delegation of BJD MPs called on Prime Minister on December 17 over this issue. They demanded the Centre’s intervention on the construction work and withdraw the ‘national status’ to the project.