The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has formally lodged a protest with the Central Water Commission (CWC) against the Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh, citing severe submergence in Odisha’s Malkangiri district and the resulting displacement of thousands of tribal families.
A delegation of senior BJD leaders, including Coordination Committee Chairperson Debi Prasad Mishra, MPs Sasmit Patra, Sulochana Deo, Niranjan Bisi, Subhasish Khuntia, Manas Mangaraj, Munna Khan, Chief Whip Pramila Mallik, former ministers Ramesh Majhi and Niranjan Pujari, veteran leader Bhrugu Baxipatra, former MLA Manas Madkami, and party spokesperson Dr. Priyabrata Majhi, met CWC officials on Wednesday and submitted a memorandum outlining their concerns.
The party highlighted that the Polavaram project has led to widespread flooding in Malkangiri, threatening the livelihoods of thousands, especially members of vulnerable and rare tribal communities. BJD alleged that the construction violates multiple legal advisories and Supreme Court directives, and demanded that the CWC initiate consultations with affected populations and take remedial measures.
Among the key demands were:
- Immediate halt to construction work on the Polavaram project.
- High-level talks between the Chief Ministers of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
- Redesign of the project to mitigate flood risks.
- Implementation of IIT Roorkee’s recommendations to manage the release of 50 lakh cubic feet of water.
- Rehabilitation plans for displaced families in consultation with the Odisha government.
The BJD emphasised that the project’s current trajectory poses an existential threat to Malkangiri’s tribal heritage and ecological balance.
