Odisha's BJD Ramps Up Protest Against Polavaram Project in Andhra Pradesh

The opposition BJD in Odisha has formed a committee to intensify its protest against the Polavaram multipurpose project in Andhra Pradesh. This project is being promoted by the BJP-led central government. The committee, led by former minister Atanu S Nayak, includes Debi Prasad Mishra, Pradeep Majhi, and Bhrugu Baxipatra as members.

Former MP Pradeep Majhi stated that the Polavaram project could inundate around 1,400-1,500 hectares of land in Padia and Motu tehsils in Malkangiri district. He expressed concern for the safety of tribals living in the region. The committee members plan to visit Motu, Padia, and other potentially affected areas in Malkangiri district.

Polavaram Project's Impact

The Polavaram project is being developed on the Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh's Eluru district. It aims to irrigate over 4.3 lakh hectares of land and generate 960 MW of hydropower. Additionally, it will supply drinking water to nearly 30 lakh people in 611 villages and divert 80 TMC water to the Krishna river basin.

Reacting sharply, the BJP accused the BJD of politicising the issue. The BJP stated that the state government would take appropriate steps at the right time, keeping in mind the people's interests. They also criticised the BJD for not doing anything for the people during its 24-year rule.

Political Reactions

Senior BJP MLA Jaynarayan Mishra claimed that BJD leaders were quitting, and its chief Naveen Patnaik was trying to unite his party using the Polavaram protest as a pretext. He asserted that the BJD would not succeed in misleading people.

The Congress also criticised the BJD for keeping the issue pending while being in power in Odisha. Congress MLA Sofia Firdous suggested that instead of visiting affected areas, the BJD should work to stop the project. She added that if desired, the BJP's double-engine government could hold discussions with Andhra Pradesh's TDP-led government to address this issue.

Local Activism

Members of Ama Jana Adhikar Forum, a Bhubaneswar-based rights group, met Malkangiri's District Collector Sachin Pawar to discuss the potential impact of the Polavaram project. The delegation included former MP Brajakishore Tripathy and Mahanadi Bachho Andolan leader Sudarshan Das. They plan to visit Padia and Motu on Wednesday.

The BJP has dealt a blow to Odisha by granting funds for completing the Polavaram project and according it national project status after coming to power at both central and state levels. This move has intensified concerns among local communities about land inundation and displacement.

The BJD is particularly worried about how this project will affect tribal populations living in vulnerable areas. They argue that more proactive measures are needed to protect these communities from potential displacement and environmental impacts.

The ongoing debate over Polavaram highlights significant political tensions between major parties in Odisha. Each party accuses others of neglecting public interest while promoting their agendas.

This situation underscores broader issues related to large-scale infrastructure projects and their socio-environmental impacts on local communities. The outcome of these protests and political manoeuvres remains uncertain as stakeholders continue to voice their concerns.