BJD raises concern over Polavaram project 'violations'

Bhubaneswar: Senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra on Tuesday expressed concern over alleged violations in the Polavaram project's implementation by the Andhra Pradesh govt.

The leader emphasised the need to protect Odisha's interests, particularly those of tribal communities in Malkangiri district, drawing sharp response from the BJP.

Mishra highlighted a significant modification in the project's discharge capacity, which was unilaterally raised from 36 lakh cusecs to 56 lakh cusecs, violating the Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal (GWDT) recommendations.

This change, made without consulting Odisha or other riparian states, has raised fears about potential flooding and displacement in tribal areas, he said.

Responding to the claims, state BJP spokesperson Sujit Kumar Das said, "If they were so concerned about the rights and safety of Malkangiri's tribal people, why didn't they resolve the issue during their years in power?" Das asserted that the BJP is actively fighting for tribal rights in Odisha.

Defending his party's stance, Mishra said, "We fought politically in Parliament, in the assembly, and on the ground. Former CM Naveen Patnaik even held direct consultations with affected tribal communities in 2024."