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Orissa objects to Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh

Special Correspondent

150-foot high dam will submerge villages, says Navin Patnaik

HYDERABAD: Polavaram project of Andhra Pradesh is faced with another hurdle adding to the controversies dogging it.

The Orissa Government has objected to the construction of the project on the ground that the 150-feet high dam will submerge several villages and agricultural lands in that State and displace hundreds of tribal families and others.

Orissa Chief Minister Navin Patnaik has addressed a letter to his counterpart here Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, resenting the State Government's decision to go ahead with the execution of the project without consulting Orissa. He sought a review of the entire issue and is understood to have sent a similar letter to the Central Water Commission expressing ire at the clearances given without referring them to his Government.

On receiving the letter, Dr. Reddy consulted senior officials and decided to respond to the concerns expressed by Mr. Patnaik by writing a letter underlining the measures to avoid difficulty to the oustees in Orissa as also assert the State's legitimacy in going ahead with the construction. A meeting between the two Chief Ministers soon is likely since Dr. Reddy feels the issue has to be settled politically.

Mr. Patnaik reportedly stated that 13 settlements in eight revenue villages and five hamlets in Podia block of Malkangiri district would be submerged. However, surveys by the Andhra Pradesh Government show that the reservoir will submerge only 588 hectares of land in Orissa and that only 6,316 families will be displaced. Irrigation Secretary Satish Chandra says that the construction has been taken up as per the 1980 inter-State agreement signed by the three riparian States--Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa. A Rs. 46-crore rehabilitation and resettlement package for the Orissa oustees had been drawn up. Under this accord, a sum of Rs. 16 crores has been set aside for payment of compensation to the land losers alone, which includes solatium at 30 per cent, apart from the land value. Colonies will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 4.7 crores for the displaced. Further, Rs. 15 crores will be provided for compensation against other properties lost and Rs. 10 crores for economic rehabilitation. Embankments will be raised to protect the other areas when the reservoir is full.

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