TV
The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) escalated its protests in New Delhi, expressing concerns on Thursday over the Polavaram dam project.
A delegation of BJD Members of Parliament (MPs) and senior leaders engaged in discussions with officials from the Central Water Commission, Ministry of Jal Shakti, and Ministry of Tribal Affairs, following their submission of a memorandum.
Also Read: BJD delegation to visit New Delhi over 'Polavaram project concerns'; BJP responds
The party has accused both the Central and State governments of overlooking the potential adverse effects of the Polavaram project on Odisha. Particularly, there are fears about displacement in two blocks of Malkangiri district, which would allegedly submerge. The BJD announced its intention to intensify protests if the issue is not resolved soon.
Party leader Debi Prasad Mishra, who is heading the delegation, outlined the key issues in a formal memorandum submitted to different departments. “The resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) process is inadequate, and Odisha's concerns regarding the backwater studies and submergence levels have not been addressed,” Mishra stated.
On the contrary, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised BJD's strategy, arguing that despite staying 24 years in power, the BJD is raising the issue only after losing political ground. BJP MP Balabhadra Majhi has described the BJD's awakening to the concerns over Polavaram as politically motivated.
Must Read: BJD fact-finding team says Polavaram project will impact 236 villages in Odisha
A seven-member delegation of BJD is in New Delhi to delve into matters concerning the Polavaram project. The team's objectives include gathering detailed information and presenting their demands to various governmental bodies.
Worth mentioning, the Polavaram project, dubbed a lifeline for Andhra Pradesh, has faced strong resistance from Odisha and Chhattisgarh due to its potential cross-border impacts, making it a contentious issue in inter-state water disputes.
