Odisha Assembly Uproar Over Polavaram Dam Project

The Odisha Assembly witnessed chaos as Congress members demanded a House Committee on the Polavaram Dam project in Andhra Pradesh, fearing massive land submergence in Odisha's tribal-dominated Malkangiri district. Congress leader Rama Chandra Kadam accused the BJP-led central government of promoting the project without resolving local grievances.

In a tumultuous session on Thursday, the Odisha Assembly saw significant unrest as Congress legislators demanded the creation of a House Committee to address concerns regarding the Polavaram Dam project in Andhra Pradesh. The opposition party fears that this project will submerge a vast area of tribal land in Malkangiri district.

The issue was ardently raised during Zero Hour by Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam, who lambasted the BJP-led central government for promoting the project, which could inundate approximately 1400 to 1500 hectares of land. He emphasized that the project would adversely affect not only the local tribal population but also forests, wildlife, and the environment in the region.

The session became chaotic when Speaker Surama Padhy remained silent on the matter, prompting Congress members, led by senior member Taraprasad Bahinipati, to storm the well of the House in protest. The disruption resulted in the House being adjourned until 4 PM.

(With inputs from agencies.)