Polavaram Project Sparks Controversy in Odisha

The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) claims the Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh will impact 236 villages in Odisha's Malkangiri district. They argue the project could lead to significant inundation and loss of livelihood. The BJP counters that the BJD did not act against the project when they had the chance.

The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) alleged on Tuesday that the multi-purpose Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh threatens the lives and livelihoods of residents in 236 villages in Odisha's Malkangiri district.

The claim was made following a report by a BJD fact-finding team led by senior leader Debi Prasad Mishra, which was submitted to party president Naveen Patnaik. The BJD criticized the BJP, arguing that the ruling party did not prevent the project when they had control over the state.

According to Andhra Pradesh's government, Polavaram is designed as a significant irrigation project on the Godavari river. It aims to generate 960MW of hydropower and supply drinking water to 28.50 lakh people. However, BJD argues that the project's backwaters will worsen flooding in Malkangiri, jeopardize tribal lands, and potentially submerge 200 villages.

(With inputs from agencies.)