BJD criticizes Odisha govt and Centre over Polavaram Project

The Polavaram dam project has sparked a fresh political controversy, with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) criticising both the Odisha government and the Centre.

BJD MLA Ganeswar Behera targeted the BJP-led Odisha government, arguing that the interests of one state should not be prioritised at the expense of another.

He stated, “Allowing one state to suffer and get submerged for the benefit of another is unacceptable. It is crucial for both the state and central governments to prioritize this issue with the seriousness it deserves”.

“Up until the people affected by the Polavaram dam project are served justice, BJD will keep up its fight. A delegation of the BJD will visit the affected areas and discuss with the people about the further steps that needs to be taken,” he added.

No comments were received from the ruling BJP.

Meanwhile, a special inquiry team visited the Polavaram project-affected areas in the Malkangiri district of Odisha.

The members of the special team went to Motu, Binaikpur, Alma, Mugi Point–Motu and Saberi Bridge constructed by Chhattisgarh and held discussions with the locals.

The inquiry team includes members of forums like the Mahanadi Banchao Andolan and Ama Janata Adhikar.

Former Union Minister, Braja Kishore Tripathi, who is heading the inquiry team, said that the Andhra Pradesh govt went ahead with the Polavaram project without any thorough damage assessment due to which low-lying areas, jungles and hundreds of acres of farmlands in Odisha would get submerged.

“The Polavaram Project is about to finish, however, no public hearing was held in the affected areas regarding the relocation and compensation for the displaced-people,” stated Braja Kishore Tripathi.

He further raised concerns and urged the Central government to take immediate action in this matter.

Convenor of the Mahanadi Banchao Andolan, Sudarshan Das said, “Our Odisha will suffer, our people are going to be swept away, our jungles and farmlands will be submerged, and we should not tolerate this. It is necessary to oppose this project. All of us should come forward and join hands to avoid this dire situation”.