Bhubaneswar: On July 15th, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi held a crucial meeting to discuss various inter-state irrigation projects, including the controversial Polavaram project. During the meeting, he made it clear that the interests of the people of Odisha are a top priority. He instructed officials to oppose any project that could harm the state's environment, affect people's livelihoods, or go against Odisha’s interests.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn on July 23rd. During the budget presentation for the financial year 2024-25, the central government announced that the Polavaram project would soon be completed with full financial support from the center. This decision was met with strong opposition from Congress legislators in Odisha, who demanded the formation of a house committee to review the project and ensure no one is displaced due to its completion. BJD MPs also voiced their protests in the Rajya Sabha, but both the Chief Minister and BJP legislators remained silent, likely due to the central government's unwavering support for the project.
The Polavaram project, located on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh, has been a topic of heated debate. According to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the project will receive the necessary funds to ensure its completion. This announcement has delighted NDA allies in Andhra Pradesh, including the TDP, BJP, and Jana Sena Party. The Andhra state cabinet has approved the decision to complete the project within three years and increase the dam height to 45.72 meters. This is a change from the previous plan by the YSR Congress government, which aimed for a height of 41.15 meters. The project will also include a stronger retaining wall costing Rs 2000 crore, replacing the earlier diaphragm wall that cost Rs 400 crore. Additional funds will be requested from the central government for this purpose.
Congress MLA Sophia Firdaus expressed strong opposition to the Polavaram project, stating that it goes against Odisha's interests and should be opposed unequivocally. She pointed out that in 2021, the BJP opposed this project but is now silent. She warned that ignoring the interests of the people of Odisha would not be taken lightly. Firdaus called for the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to discuss the issue and find a way to halt the project to protect the people of Odisha. She also urged the Speaker to form a house committee to assess the project, vowing to continue the opposition if this was not done.
Congress legislative leader Ramchandra Kadam highlighted the severe impact of raising the Polavaram dam height, which would submerge 1200 to 1300 villages and displace thousands of people. He criticized the central government for allocating funds for this project while doing nothing for Odisha in the budget. Kadam stressed the need for a house committee to address these issues.
Similarly, BJD MP Sasmit Patra stated in the Rajya Sabha that the project would affect 6818 people, including 5919 tribals in Odisha. He pointed out that despite the ongoing legal case, construction continues, and he called for an immediate halt to the project.
The Polavaram project continues to be a contentious issue, with strong opposition from various quarters in Odisha. The central government’s support for the project has put the state BJP in a tough spot, and the future of the project remains uncertain amidst ongoing protests and legal battles.