The Controversial Polavaram Project
The Polavaram multipurpose irrigation project on the Godavari River has remained at the heart of a long-standing inter-state dispute. While Andhra Pradesh champions it as a lifeline for irrigation and drinking water, neighboring states, especially Odisha and Chhattisgarh, have consistently raised alarm over its environmental and humanitarian costs. Odisha’s biggest worry lies in the fate of Malkangiri district, where vast stretches of tribal-dominated villages could be submerged if the project advances without adequate safeguards.
BJD’s Renewed Push in Delhi
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has now escalated its opposition by submitting a detailed memorandum to the Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC) in New Delhi. The party demanded an immediate halt to construction until Odisha’s concerns are addressed, particularly the reassessment of submergence levels and revision of the project’s design. It warned that thousands of tribal people, including members of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), face imminent displacement and loss of livelihood.
Call for Consultative Federalism
The BJD pressed for the CWC to convene a meeting of all Chief Ministers of affected states to ensure collective decision-making. It argued that the project’s execution without Odisha’s consent violates the spirit of cooperative federalism. “Odisha’s voice has consistently been excluded from critical decisions, even though its people bear the highest cost,” the memorandum stated, urging that the safety and dignity of tribal communities be placed at the core of discussions.
Legal and Environmental Concerns
The party recalled the Supreme Court’s 2022 observation that any expansion of Polavaram would require new technical reports and environmental clearances. It accused the Centre and Andhra Pradesh of bypassing these directives, thereby ignoring both legal obligations and humanitarian responsibilities. Despite Odisha’s repeated appeals, the CWC has declined to conduct a fresh backwater study on the revised design flood, a move that, the BJD says, places Malkangiri residents in grave danger.
Opposition to Funding and Revised Designs
Adding to its criticism, the BJD objected to the Union Government’s sanction of ₹17,936 crore for Polavaram’s completion, arguing that the decision was taken without due consultation. The revised flood discharge capacity, it claimed, has heightened fears among local communities of losing ancestral lands, forests, and access to traditional livelihoods.
A Call for Fair Resolution
In its concluding appeal, the BJD urged the CWC to initiate a scientific reassessment of Polavaram’s impact, strictly enforce Supreme Court guidelines, and establish a transparent consultative mechanism. It emphasized that protecting the rights and future of tribal populations must take precedence over political expediency or financial commitments.
Safeguarding Lives Before Progress
The Polavaram Project, if implemented responsibly, could contribute to regional development. However, without addressing the valid concerns of Odisha, it risks becoming a symbol of neglect toward marginalized communities. A balanced approach—anchored in law, science, and compassion—is essential to ensure that infrastructure growth does not come at the irreversible cost of human dignity and survival.
(With agency inputs)
