BJD's Concerns
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has raised concerns about the potential adverse effects of the Polavaram Dam on Odisha’s Malkangiri district, especially on tribal communities.
They claim that the revised design's impact on submergence has not been adequately studied.
A memorandum was submitted to the Central Water Commission (CWC), Ministry of Tribal Affairs, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, and Ministry of Environment, urging a thorough investigation.
Project Status
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister aims to complete the Polavaram project by 2027, with ₹15,000 crore earmarked in the Union budget.
BJD alleges that the CWC has ignored calls for a backwater study, despite expert recommendations.
The revised flood estimates predict significantly higher submergence levels (up to 232 feet) compared to the originally agreed 174.22 feet.
Key Concerns
The project could submerge 7,656 hectares of land, including forestland, displacing over 6,800 people, mostly tribals in Malkangiri.
The Odisha government opposes the construction of protective embankments, citing concerns over forest land diversion and increased flooding risks.
The cost of the Polavaram project has escalated from ₹10,151 crore in 2005-06 to ₹55,548 crore in 2019, raising concerns over financial management and project efficiency.
Polavaram Project
The Polavaram Project is an under construction multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in the Eluru District and East Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh.
The project has been accorded National project status by the Central Government of India.
Its reservoir back water spreads up to the Dummugudem Anicut (i.e. approx 150 km back from Polavaram dam on main river side) and approx 115 km on Sabari River side.
Thus back water spreads into parts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha States.
It gives major boost to tourism sector in Godavari Districts as the reservoir covers the famous Papikonda National Park, Polavaram hydro electric project (HEP) and National Waterway 4 are under construction on left side of the river.
It is located 40 km to the upstream of Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage in Rajamahendravaram City and 25 km from Rajahmundry Airport.
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