BJD Takes Stand Against Polavaram Project: A New Wave of Protests

The BJD in Odisha has formed a committee to amplify its protests against the Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh. Headed by former minister Atanu S Nayak, the committee includes Debi Prasad Mishra, Pradeep Majhi, and Bhrugu Baxipatra. Opposition parties like the BJP and Congress have criticized the BJD's actions.

The opposition BJD in Odisha formed a committee on Tuesday to intensify its protest against the Polavaram multipurpose project in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, promoted by the BJP-led government at the Centre.

The committee, led by former minister Atanu S Nayak, includes Debi Prasad Mishra, Pradeep Majhi, and Bhrugu Baxipatra.

The members will visit Motu, Padia, and other potentially affected areas in Malkangiri district. Former MP Pradeep Majhi stated that the BJP has negatively impacted Odisha by funding the Polavaram project and granting it national project status.

Majhi noted that the project could inundate 1,400-1,500 hectares of land in Malkangiri's Padia and Motu tehsils, raising concerns for the safety of local tribals.

Reacting sharply, the BJP alleged that the BJD was politicizing the issue, with party members asserting that the state's BJP government would act in the people's best interest when necessary.

Senior BJP MLA Jaynarayan Mishra claimed that the BJD chief was trying to unite his party amid leaders quitting, using the Polavaram protest as a pretext. Meanwhile, Congress MLA Sofia Firdous criticized the BJD for not addressing the issue during its 24-year rule.

Additionally, members of the Ama Jana Adhikar Forum met Malkangiri's District Collector to discuss the project's impact.

The Polavaram project, developed on the Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh's Eluru district, aims to irrigate over 4.3 lakh hectares, generate 960 MW of hydropower, and provide drinking water to nearly 30 lakh people in 611 villages. It will also divert 80 TMC water to the Krishna river basin.