Polavaram Politics

Polavaram project: AP flays neighbouring states
PTI
First Published : 12 Nov 2010 10:21:10 PM ISTLast Updated : 12 Nov 2010 11:40:56 PM IST

NEW DELHI: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah has accused Orissa and Chhattisgarh governments of not "cooperating" in conducting public hearings on the construction of the proposed Polavaram irrigation project.


The Union Environment Ministry had issued a show-cause notice to Andhra Pradesh government to explain why it had failed to conduct a public hearing on the construction of the dam as asked by it while giving clearance to the multi-purpose project in the state.

However, Rosaiah tried to put the ball in the courts of neighbouring Orissa and Chattisgarh which have been opposing the proposed dam fearing displacement of a large number tribals in their territories.

"You will appreciate that in our federal set-up specific functions such as holding of public hearings have to be performed by the respective states. Andhra Pradesh cannot hold public hearing either in Orissa or Chhattisgarh," Rosaiah said in a letter to Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh.

He argued that instead of asking the neighbouring states to furnish reason for not holding public hearings, the Environment Minister had been directing questions at his government in the matter.

Questioning the need for issuing the show-cause notice, the chief minister also pointed out that his government had been from time to time informing the Environment Ministry about the steps taken by it in the matter as well "inaction and reluctance" of the relevant authorities of Orissa and Chhattisgarh.

Taking a serious view of Andhra Pradesh government's inaction in conducting a public hearing on Polavaram project and obtaining a fresh green clearance, the Ministry had written a letter to the state seeking an explanation on the issue.

Rosaiah asked the Environment Ministry to accord its concurrence for construction of protective embankments along the rivers Sabari and Sileru without insisting on public hearing as there was no change in the scope of the project.

Besides, flood protective bunds did not require environmental clearance as per the provisions of EIA Notification, 2006, he added.

The project was granted forest clearance on July 28 by the Environment Ministry with a condition that no land will be submerged in Orissa and Chhattisgarh and public hearing will be conducted in the two states.