Opposing the Centre’s decision to implement the controversial Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh, the Utkal Sammilani alleged that instead of solving the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border issues, the Centre has given its approval for the project and agreed to provide cent per cent funds for the project.
In a Press statement, Sammilani Mancheswar Industrial Estate branch head Dillip Dashsharma said if the project is implemented on the Godavari river, around 2,000 acre land in tribal-dominated Malkangiri district would be submerged. Many villages under the Motu Tehsil in the district would be inundated. This could change the map of Odisha, rued Dashsharma. “While the matter is pending in the Supreme Court, the decision of the BJP-led NDA Government to implement the project is unfortunate,” he added. The Sammilani demanded immediate revocation of the decision.