Orissa opposes environmental clearance to Polavaram project

New Delhi, July 12 (UNI) Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today met Union Minister for Environment and Forests A Raja and expressed deep concern over the environmental clearance accorded to the Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh.

The project was likely to displace around 6,000 tribal people in Malkangiri district of Orissa due to submergence of over 100 hectares of forest land, he told the Minister.

The Chief Minister pointed out that the Orissa High Court also had directed Andhra Pradesh to reformulate the project to ensure there was no submergence in the state.

According to an official statement, Mr Patnaik also sought clearance of proposals with respect to 17 districts submitted by the state government for regularisation of eligible pre-1980 forest encroachments.

Later, he also met Mines Minister Sis Ram Ola seeking the Centre's support for providing raw material linkage to the state's mineral-based industry which was attracting huge investments.

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