: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) on June 9 sought a detailed report from the Chief Secretary of Odisha and the Secretary, Jal Shakti, Government of India over the exact situation, preparedness and process of rehabilitation and resettlement of tribals going to be affected due to the Polavaram project.
 
Acting on a petition dated 10.06.2021, replies from Polavaram Project Authorities and the Government of Andhra Pradesh and a rejoinder dated 15.05.2023 filed by Supreme Court lawyer and rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy, the NCST has sought for a detailed reply within 15 days.
 
Tripathy described the ground realities of the displaced persons due to the execution of Polavaram Project. 
 
As per current data, submergence and effect on the people is going to increase from 286 habitations to 371 habitations and 44,000 families to 1.05 lakhs families respectively. Project displaced persons (60- 70%) are from backward tribes but there is no plan for their rehabilitation. Displacement of ST people in Odisha, and Chhattisgarh is not considered by the Central Government and the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
 
Though the Polavaram project is nearing completion and it is assessed that 6,316 persons in Odisha and 11,766 persons in Chhattisgarh will be affected but either rehabilitation plan or construction of protective embankments is only proposed and actual work is not yet undertaken by the project authority, Tripathy contended.
 
He had requested the NCST to examine all the factual positions and applicable laws, rules and regulations and the legitimate rights of the tribals including proper rehabilitation and resettlement with dignified life.