Issue stop-work order on Polavaram: BJD to CWC

Expressing deep concern over the submergence of large areas in Malkangiri district due to Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh and its adverse impact on livelihoods of thousands of tribal people, especially those from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the Chairman of Central Water Commission (CWC) seeking a stop-work order on the project that would help safeguard the larger interest of the would-be-affected people in Odisha.

- AGENCIES

Demanding reassessment of the submergence levels and revision of Polavaram project to prevent any adverse impact on Odisha, BJD called upon the CWC to issue the order to Andhra Pradesh and the Union governments until Odisha’s demands are addressed.

Urging for initiation of a consultation process with Chief Ministers concerned through the CWC, BJD called for the prioritisation of the safety and well-being of the tribal communities in Malkangiri by conducting proper surveys and identifying the areas likely to be submerged.

Despite the recommendations of experts and Odisha government’s concerns regarding the safety of tribal populations and people of Malkangiri district, CWC has refused to conduct a fresh backwater study for the revised design, the BJD pointed out.