Bhubaneswar/ New Delhi, August 20: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has urged the Central Water Commission (CWC) in New Delhi to reassess the Polavaram Project’s submergence impact on Odisha. Submitting a memorandum, the party warned that large areas of Malkangiri district could be submerged, endangering the livelihoods of thousands of tribal people, including Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
The BJD demanded a stop-work order on Andhra Pradesh and the Centre until Odisha’s concerns are addressed, and sought a consultation of all affected states. It criticized the CWC for ignoring calls for a fresh backwater study and highlighted the Supreme Court’s 2022 observation that further expansion needs additional clearances.
The party also opposed the Centre’s recent sanction of ₹17,936 crore for the project, stressing that design changes threaten Malkangiri residents. Alleging lack of consultation and delayed public hearings, the BJD urged the CWC to act in the interest of affected communities.
