Orissa to challenge report on Polavaram in Supreme Court
BHUBANESWAR: Orissa government has decided to challenge the findings of Gopal Krishnan report on Pollavaram dam project in the Supreme Court. The Apex Court had manadated Gopal Krishnan to examine whether construction in Pollavaram is as per the law of the land.
The ruling Biju Janta Dal in Orissa in the recent past had organised a series of centre-bashing protest rallies across the state raking up the issue of clearance by the union ministry of environment and forest [MOEF] to the Andhra Pradesh government's Polavaram project over the Godavari river.
The BJD run Naveen Patnaik government has been maintaining that no public hearing was conducted in Malkangiri district before issuing environmental clearance to the project and the project violated Forest Conservation Act, 1980 so far as diversion of forest land for submergence was concerned. It also found many deficiencies in the procedures followed for the hydrology of the project and computation of backwater submergence, an official said here.
A high-level meeting held under chairmanship of Chief Secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik here revealed that the proposed project would result in submergence of vast areas in the state. The project in its present state is in violation of Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal orders in which the design flood of the dam was limited to 36 lakh cusec. The project also included upstream projects like Inchampalli and Bhopalapatnam for moderating flood water at Pollavaram project, the officials said.
The Andhra Pradesh Government has not taken up these upstream projects. In the absence of the upstream projects Polavaram will be a large reservoir making huge backwater submergence in Odisha.
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Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Vedanta did not pay water bills: Orissa
September 05, 2011 10:04 IST
Vedanta Aluminum Ltd (VAL), already struggling to get environment and forest clearances for its Orissa projects, is now faced with a new challenge.
The state government's water resources department has alleged the company's Jharsuguda unit has not paid Rs 10.94 crore (Rs 109.4 million) of its bills, since 2008.
Vedanta has denied the charge, saying there is lack of clarity in the way the Orissa government is charging industry in the state.
The state government has given a list of water bill defaulting units to the high court in which VAL also figures. The company confirms the state government has raised the issue.
"There was a difference of opinion on the amount to be paid to the government, as we were not using water from the source allotted to us. When we started operations in 2008, the pipeline from the source was not ready, so we used water from a different source," a company official said.
Vedanta had approval from the state water development authority to draw up to 10 million gallons per day from the Bedan river. Though the company got approval, no agreement was signed.
"The government had said that there are dues of Rs 2 crore (Rs 20 million) during the period. Since there was no agreement, it is a violation, so they have imposed six times the penalty on Rs 2 crore (Rs 20 million)," the official added.
The Orissa government had allotted 30 million gallons per day (mg/d) for Vedanta's captive power plant and 20 mg/d to the Jharsuguda unit from the Hirakud dam.
Vedanta Aluminum Ltd (VAL), an associate company of the globally diversified Vedanta Resources Plc, operates a 500,000-tonne aluminium smelter presently in operation and a 1,215 Mw captive power plant in Jharsuguda. It is also commissioning an independent power plant of 2,400 Mw in Jharsuguda.
Its Lanjigarh unit, which operates a one-million tonne per annum aluminium plant, is also facing water trouble. The company was allotted five mg/d water from the nearby Tel river.
According to the Industrial Policy of 2001, benefit is given to an industry for setting up operations in remote locations.
A company can get a 25 per cent rebate if it uses water from a regulated source and 50 per cent rebate if it uses from unregulated sources.
VAL says it is eligible for a 50 per cent rebate but the state government is unwilling to give it. It has written to the industrial department to look again into the matter.
The company is also in talks with water resources department officials.
September 05, 2011 10:04 IST
Vedanta Aluminum Ltd (VAL), already struggling to get environment and forest clearances for its Orissa projects, is now faced with a new challenge.
The state government's water resources department has alleged the company's Jharsuguda unit has not paid Rs 10.94 crore (Rs 109.4 million) of its bills, since 2008.
Vedanta has denied the charge, saying there is lack of clarity in the way the Orissa government is charging industry in the state.
The state government has given a list of water bill defaulting units to the high court in which VAL also figures. The company confirms the state government has raised the issue.
"There was a difference of opinion on the amount to be paid to the government, as we were not using water from the source allotted to us. When we started operations in 2008, the pipeline from the source was not ready, so we used water from a different source," a company official said.
Vedanta had approval from the state water development authority to draw up to 10 million gallons per day from the Bedan river. Though the company got approval, no agreement was signed.
"The government had said that there are dues of Rs 2 crore (Rs 20 million) during the period. Since there was no agreement, it is a violation, so they have imposed six times the penalty on Rs 2 crore (Rs 20 million)," the official added.
The Orissa government had allotted 30 million gallons per day (mg/d) for Vedanta's captive power plant and 20 mg/d to the Jharsuguda unit from the Hirakud dam.
Vedanta Aluminum Ltd (VAL), an associate company of the globally diversified Vedanta Resources Plc, operates a 500,000-tonne aluminium smelter presently in operation and a 1,215 Mw captive power plant in Jharsuguda. It is also commissioning an independent power plant of 2,400 Mw in Jharsuguda.
Its Lanjigarh unit, which operates a one-million tonne per annum aluminium plant, is also facing water trouble. The company was allotted five mg/d water from the nearby Tel river.
According to the Industrial Policy of 2001, benefit is given to an industry for setting up operations in remote locations.
A company can get a 25 per cent rebate if it uses water from a regulated source and 50 per cent rebate if it uses from unregulated sources.
VAL says it is eligible for a 50 per cent rebate but the state government is unwilling to give it. It has written to the industrial department to look again into the matter.
The company is also in talks with water resources department officials.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Chhattisgarh approaches SC against Polavaram dam
31 August 2011
press trust of india
NEW DELHI, 31 AUG: Chhattisgarh government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking its directions to restrain Andhra Pradesh from continuing construction of a dam on the river Godavari at Polavaram, saying the clearances given to the project are illegal and the project threatens the environment and tribals of the state.
Chhattisgarh is the second state after Orissa to move the apex court against the Polavaram project by AP government.
“The project will threaten valuable ecology and wildlife. The project will bring misery to thousands of tribals by submerging more than 300 villages in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa,” Chhattisgarh government said.
The state contended around 2015.52 hectares of land falling in South Bastar, Dantewada in Chhattisgarh will be submerged by the dam and the environment clearances have been granted to the project without conducting public hearings in the area.
“Chhattisgarh is a tribal state. A very large population of tribals will be displaced due to submersion of areas. The area is a notified area under Schedule-V of the Constitution and therefore the permission of Gram Sabha is required under the PESA (Panchayat Extension to the Scheduled Areas Act),” the petition filed through advocate Mr Atul Jha said.
“In this regard, it may be noted that the ministry of tribal affairs, in its order dated 17 April, 2007, granting clearance to the Polavaram Project has noted that there had not been any consultation with the Gram Sabhas in the affected areas in the states of Chattisgarh and Orissa,” it added.
Chhattisgarh has sought “removal of all structures related to the Polavaram project”.
It pleaded the environment clearance, forest clearance, resettlement and rehabilitation clearance and Central Water Commission's clearance granted to the project should be declared illegal and null and void.
“The project proposals were suitable in the times when it was conceived (in 1978). But over the years, many changes have taken place in the society and its priorities. The proposed displacement of such a huge population and settlement is likely to cause degradation in their lives,” it said.
In its petition, Chhattisgarh questioned the legality of the Polavaram project saying its construction is in “blatant violation” of laws as well as the 1978 and 1980 agreements between Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and the final award of 7July, 1980, passed by the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal.
“CWC (Central Water Commission) and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs have shown complete disregard to the Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal (GWDT) Award, 1980, and to illegally facilitate the construction of Polavaram dam at the cost of state of Chhattisgarh,” it said. “The Ministry of Tribal Affairs gave clearance on such a project formulation which are not part of GWDT Award. Therefore, the order dated April 17, 2007 (granting clearance) issued by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is erroneous and needs to be cancelled,” it added.
31 August 2011
press trust of india
NEW DELHI, 31 AUG: Chhattisgarh government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking its directions to restrain Andhra Pradesh from continuing construction of a dam on the river Godavari at Polavaram, saying the clearances given to the project are illegal and the project threatens the environment and tribals of the state.
Chhattisgarh is the second state after Orissa to move the apex court against the Polavaram project by AP government.
“The project will threaten valuable ecology and wildlife. The project will bring misery to thousands of tribals by submerging more than 300 villages in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa,” Chhattisgarh government said.
The state contended around 2015.52 hectares of land falling in South Bastar, Dantewada in Chhattisgarh will be submerged by the dam and the environment clearances have been granted to the project without conducting public hearings in the area.
“Chhattisgarh is a tribal state. A very large population of tribals will be displaced due to submersion of areas. The area is a notified area under Schedule-V of the Constitution and therefore the permission of Gram Sabha is required under the PESA (Panchayat Extension to the Scheduled Areas Act),” the petition filed through advocate Mr Atul Jha said.
“In this regard, it may be noted that the ministry of tribal affairs, in its order dated 17 April, 2007, granting clearance to the Polavaram Project has noted that there had not been any consultation with the Gram Sabhas in the affected areas in the states of Chattisgarh and Orissa,” it added.
Chhattisgarh has sought “removal of all structures related to the Polavaram project”.
It pleaded the environment clearance, forest clearance, resettlement and rehabilitation clearance and Central Water Commission's clearance granted to the project should be declared illegal and null and void.
“The project proposals were suitable in the times when it was conceived (in 1978). But over the years, many changes have taken place in the society and its priorities. The proposed displacement of such a huge population and settlement is likely to cause degradation in their lives,” it said.
In its petition, Chhattisgarh questioned the legality of the Polavaram project saying its construction is in “blatant violation” of laws as well as the 1978 and 1980 agreements between Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and the final award of 7July, 1980, passed by the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal.
“CWC (Central Water Commission) and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs have shown complete disregard to the Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal (GWDT) Award, 1980, and to illegally facilitate the construction of Polavaram dam at the cost of state of Chhattisgarh,” it said. “The Ministry of Tribal Affairs gave clearance on such a project formulation which are not part of GWDT Award. Therefore, the order dated April 17, 2007 (granting clearance) issued by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is erroneous and needs to be cancelled,” it added.
Polavaram Politics
After Orissa now Chhatisgarh filed a petition in SC over Polavaram damhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Report by OrissaDiary.com correspondent; Bhubaneswar: Chhattisgarh government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking its directions to restrain Andhra Pradesh from continuing construction of a Polavaram dam on river Godavari. In a petition filed before the Apex Court Chhatisgarh Govt. has said, the clearances given to the project are illegal and the project threatens the environment and tribals of the state.
Chhattisgarh is the second state after Orissa to move the apex court against the Polavaram.
"The project will threaten valuable ecology and wildlife. The project will bring misery to thousands of tribals by submerging more than 300 villages in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa," Chhattisgarh government said.
Orissa is already filing a legal battle over Polavarm project. The Apex Court had already constituted M. GopalKJrishnan Committee to look into the matter. The Committee had submitted its report to the Supreme Court.
Chahtisgarh Govt. claimed that, around 2015.52 hectares of land falling in South Bastar, Dantewada in Chhattisgarh will be submerged by the dam and the environment clearances have been granted to the project without conducting public hearings in the area.
Report by OrissaDiary.com correspondent; Bhubaneswar: Chhattisgarh government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking its directions to restrain Andhra Pradesh from continuing construction of a Polavaram dam on river Godavari. In a petition filed before the Apex Court Chhatisgarh Govt. has said, the clearances given to the project are illegal and the project threatens the environment and tribals of the state.
Chhattisgarh is the second state after Orissa to move the apex court against the Polavaram.
"The project will threaten valuable ecology and wildlife. The project will bring misery to thousands of tribals by submerging more than 300 villages in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa," Chhattisgarh government said.
Orissa is already filing a legal battle over Polavarm project. The Apex Court had already constituted M. GopalKJrishnan Committee to look into the matter. The Committee had submitted its report to the Supreme Court.
Chahtisgarh Govt. claimed that, around 2015.52 hectares of land falling in South Bastar, Dantewada in Chhattisgarh will be submerged by the dam and the environment clearances have been granted to the project without conducting public hearings in the area.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Sindol Imbrogilo
Protests against Orissa hydro-power projects intensify
Bhubaneswar, Aug 24 (IANS) Protests against three hydro power plants Orissa plans across river Mahanadi intensified with thousands of people Wednesday staging a massive demonstration at district headquarters town of Sambalpur, an organiser of the protesters said.
Carrying posters and banners and shouting slogans against the state government, people from all walks of life including hundreds of women and children took out a procession, conducted a public hearing of their own and rejected the government plan.
The people who came from three districts of Sambalpur, Boudh and Subarnapur also vowed to fight if the government pushes the projects forcibly.
Orissa state-run Hydro Power Corporation last month signed a pact with NHPC Ltd to set up the hydropower plants in a joint venture across river Mahanadi, in the three districts. The plants would be built in five years’ time with a combined investment of Rs.2,600 crore to generate 320 MW power.
State Energy Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak said the projects would be set up only after the consent of the local people.
However, those opposed said the projects will not only cause large scale displacements but also apprehended the reservoirs were planned to centralise storage of river water for supply to upcoming industries in the region.
‘The government has not disclosed the plans in detail. It is pushing the projects without making a comprehensive analysis of state’s water and energy scenario’, Ranjan Panda, convenor of Water Initiatives Orissa – a network of NGOs fighting on water related issues, told IANS.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 24 (IANS) Protests against three hydro power plants Orissa plans across river Mahanadi intensified with thousands of people Wednesday staging a massive demonstration at district headquarters town of Sambalpur, an organiser of the protesters said.
Carrying posters and banners and shouting slogans against the state government, people from all walks of life including hundreds of women and children took out a procession, conducted a public hearing of their own and rejected the government plan.
The people who came from three districts of Sambalpur, Boudh and Subarnapur also vowed to fight if the government pushes the projects forcibly.
Orissa state-run Hydro Power Corporation last month signed a pact with NHPC Ltd to set up the hydropower plants in a joint venture across river Mahanadi, in the three districts. The plants would be built in five years’ time with a combined investment of Rs.2,600 crore to generate 320 MW power.
State Energy Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak said the projects would be set up only after the consent of the local people.
However, those opposed said the projects will not only cause large scale displacements but also apprehended the reservoirs were planned to centralise storage of river water for supply to upcoming industries in the region.
‘The government has not disclosed the plans in detail. It is pushing the projects without making a comprehensive analysis of state’s water and energy scenario’, Ranjan Panda, convenor of Water Initiatives Orissa – a network of NGOs fighting on water related issues, told IANS.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Sindol
Sindol on BJP’s mind
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BHUBANESWAR: The BJP on Tuesday decided to oppose the Sindol hydro-electricity projects in the Monsoon Session of the Assembly commencing from Wednesday.
While the proposed projects are facing stiff opposition from people of four districts of Boudh, Sonepur, Sambalpur and Bargarh, the BJP Legislature Party slammed the Government for not taking the people and the Council of Ministers into confidence before announcing the projects.
“The Government should have taken up the approval of State Cabinet before signing an agreement with the National Hydro Power Corporation and the Orissa Hydro Power Corporation,” said Deputy Leader of the party in the Assembly Jayanarayan Mishra.
Facing Opposition from within the BJD, the Government will have a tough time to explain to the Opposition and ruling benches as well on the hurried manner in which the MoU was signed, he said.
With drought looming large in several districts due to erratic monsoon, the BJPLP slammed the Government for not having any contingency plan for the affected farmers.
The BJP will press for waiver of farm loan and supply of seeds and other agricultural inputs for rabi crop as an alternative measure, Mishra said.
The BJP is planning to corner the Government on the deteriorating law and order situation and the failing health services in the State.
The legislature party discussed the increasing Maoists activities in Balangir district and the Government failure to tackle the problem.
The meeting expressed concern over the threat call from a Maoist activist to the party leader in the Assembly KV Singhdeo and the murder of a BJD functionary by the Left wing extremists. Six legislators, including BJP supported Pratap Sarangi (Ind), attended the meeting. Bonai MLA Bhimsen Choudhury who was suspended from the party was absent.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
BHUBANESWAR: The BJP on Tuesday decided to oppose the Sindol hydro-electricity projects in the Monsoon Session of the Assembly commencing from Wednesday.
While the proposed projects are facing stiff opposition from people of four districts of Boudh, Sonepur, Sambalpur and Bargarh, the BJP Legislature Party slammed the Government for not taking the people and the Council of Ministers into confidence before announcing the projects.
“The Government should have taken up the approval of State Cabinet before signing an agreement with the National Hydro Power Corporation and the Orissa Hydro Power Corporation,” said Deputy Leader of the party in the Assembly Jayanarayan Mishra.
Facing Opposition from within the BJD, the Government will have a tough time to explain to the Opposition and ruling benches as well on the hurried manner in which the MoU was signed, he said.
With drought looming large in several districts due to erratic monsoon, the BJPLP slammed the Government for not having any contingency plan for the affected farmers.
The BJP will press for waiver of farm loan and supply of seeds and other agricultural inputs for rabi crop as an alternative measure, Mishra said.
The BJP is planning to corner the Government on the deteriorating law and order situation and the failing health services in the State.
The legislature party discussed the increasing Maoists activities in Balangir district and the Government failure to tackle the problem.
The meeting expressed concern over the threat call from a Maoist activist to the party leader in the Assembly KV Singhdeo and the murder of a BJD functionary by the Left wing extremists. Six legislators, including BJP supported Pratap Sarangi (Ind), attended the meeting. Bonai MLA Bhimsen Choudhury who was suspended from the party was absent.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Govari river swallows templehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Indian express Express News Service , The New Indian Express
Posted on Aug 15, 2011 at 11:37am IST
KENDRAPARA: A temple built in 1949 to commemorate the death of Mahatma Gandhi, at Barimula village in the district stares at an uncertain future. On the verge of being swallowed by the Govari river, the temple, with a statue of Gandhi, is a prime example of maladministration.
The district administration has remained indifferent to the issue, locals allege.
“A few locals had tried to restrict the advancing water with stone embankment.
However, the move was opposed by villagers from the opposite bank and the temple was left to perish,” rued president of Orissa Freedom Fighter’s Association of Kendrapara, Purusotama Nayak.
Earlier, a large tract of land was earmarked for expansion of the temple. However, it remains unrealised as the river water has slowly engulfed the land. However, the temple has not lost its sheen and is still revered by locals. It is decked up to mark the Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti and is frequented by people from all walks of life.
Indian express Express News Service , The New Indian Express
Posted on Aug 15, 2011 at 11:37am IST
KENDRAPARA: A temple built in 1949 to commemorate the death of Mahatma Gandhi, at Barimula village in the district stares at an uncertain future. On the verge of being swallowed by the Govari river, the temple, with a statue of Gandhi, is a prime example of maladministration.
The district administration has remained indifferent to the issue, locals allege.
“A few locals had tried to restrict the advancing water with stone embankment.
However, the move was opposed by villagers from the opposite bank and the temple was left to perish,” rued president of Orissa Freedom Fighter’s Association of Kendrapara, Purusotama Nayak.
Earlier, a large tract of land was earmarked for expansion of the temple. However, it remains unrealised as the river water has slowly engulfed the land. However, the temple has not lost its sheen and is still revered by locals. It is decked up to mark the Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti and is frequented by people from all walks of life.
Pollution in Ganga claims more lives than bomb blasts: L K Advani
NEW DELHI: Senior BJP leader L K Advani today expressed concerns over the increasing level of pollution in the river Ganga, saying it was claiming more lives than those caused by bomb blasts.
In his latest blog posting, Advani quoted Swami Chidananda Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, to argue that the pollution in Ganga was a serious matter.
"Today most people do not realize that nearly a million people living along the banks of the Ganga die each year due to illnesses caused by its polluted water...,"
"A few dozen people dying in bomb blasts in India becomes big news worldwide, and rightly so. But the tragic deaths of many people, who are dependent on the Ganga, goes unnoticed even in India. We must change this," he said, quoting Swami Chidanand.
"Ganga is languishing in such polluted state that people hesitate to bathe in her waters even in Kashi. This is caused by reckless and ill-planned industrialization and urbanization, made worse by lack of elementary civic facilities in towns and villages along it," Advani observed.
In the upper reaches of the river, hydro-electric projects have caused considerable damage to the Ganga and its natural ecology, leading to drying up of long stretches of the river-bed and depriving the nearby villagers of their main source of water, he said.
Suggesting measures to clean the river, the BJP leader quoted Swami Chidanand, "We must launch a mission, which I call the 3-T Mission -- toilet in every home, tap in every home bringing clean water, and tree-plantation on a massive scale in every village and town."
"Millions of Indians abroad would be inspired if India takes up this comprehensive Ganga Mission. They would even be willing to make generous contribution to this project," Advani said on his blog, quoting Swami Chidanand.
NEW DELHI: Senior BJP leader L K Advani today expressed concerns over the increasing level of pollution in the river Ganga, saying it was claiming more lives than those caused by bomb blasts.
In his latest blog posting, Advani quoted Swami Chidananda Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, to argue that the pollution in Ganga was a serious matter.
"Today most people do not realize that nearly a million people living along the banks of the Ganga die each year due to illnesses caused by its polluted water...,"
"A few dozen people dying in bomb blasts in India becomes big news worldwide, and rightly so. But the tragic deaths of many people, who are dependent on the Ganga, goes unnoticed even in India. We must change this," he said, quoting Swami Chidanand.
"Ganga is languishing in such polluted state that people hesitate to bathe in her waters even in Kashi. This is caused by reckless and ill-planned industrialization and urbanization, made worse by lack of elementary civic facilities in towns and villages along it," Advani observed.
In the upper reaches of the river, hydro-electric projects have caused considerable damage to the Ganga and its natural ecology, leading to drying up of long stretches of the river-bed and depriving the nearby villagers of their main source of water, he said.
Suggesting measures to clean the river, the BJP leader quoted Swami Chidanand, "We must launch a mission, which I call the 3-T Mission -- toilet in every home, tap in every home bringing clean water, and tree-plantation on a massive scale in every village and town."
"Millions of Indians abroad would be inspired if India takes up this comprehensive Ganga Mission. They would even be willing to make generous contribution to this project," Advani said on his blog, quoting Swami Chidanand.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Sindol
Sindol project: Government assures water to farmhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to pacify the growing discontentment over the decision to go ahead with the Sindol power project, the State Government on Wednesday announced setting up of mega lift irrigation points on both sides of the barrage. Farmers of three Western Orissa districts -Boudh, Sonepur and Sambalpur- are strongly opposed to the National Hydro Power Corporation’s (NHPC) Rs 3,000-crore hydro power project. The Sindol project was scrapped several times in the past because of strong opposition from the locals who fear submergence of large tracts of agricultural land and several villages. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had said that the project will not be implemented while campaigning for Rairakhol bypoll in 2003, which the Biju Janata Dal eventually won. But the Government has again revived the project sparking off large-scale opposition. The Government maintained that the farmers of Boudh, Sonepur and Sambalpur will benefit from the proposed lift irrigation points to be set up on both sides of the project. The decision was taken at a high level meeting at the secretariat here presided over by Naveen. The Government clarified that there would be no submergence of villages or paddy fields as it has been decided to reduce the height of the barrages. The three units of the project would together generate 320 MW after completion of Sindol-I, II and III. Softening its earlier stand, the Congress maintained that the party will study the situation and announce its decision, if there will be no submergence and displacement due to the project. The Congress has asked the Government to clarify how many villages will be submerged and the families to be displaced by the project. The BJP has opposed the project. The party had even passed a resolution against the project in the recently held State executive and threatened to launch an agitation if it was not scrapped.
BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to pacify the growing discontentment over the decision to go ahead with the Sindol power project, the State Government on Wednesday announced setting up of mega lift irrigation points on both sides of the barrage. Farmers of three Western Orissa districts -Boudh, Sonepur and Sambalpur- are strongly opposed to the National Hydro Power Corporation’s (NHPC) Rs 3,000-crore hydro power project. The Sindol project was scrapped several times in the past because of strong opposition from the locals who fear submergence of large tracts of agricultural land and several villages. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had said that the project will not be implemented while campaigning for Rairakhol bypoll in 2003, which the Biju Janata Dal eventually won. But the Government has again revived the project sparking off large-scale opposition. The Government maintained that the farmers of Boudh, Sonepur and Sambalpur will benefit from the proposed lift irrigation points to be set up on both sides of the project. The decision was taken at a high level meeting at the secretariat here presided over by Naveen. The Government clarified that there would be no submergence of villages or paddy fields as it has been decided to reduce the height of the barrages. The three units of the project would together generate 320 MW after completion of Sindol-I, II and III. Softening its earlier stand, the Congress maintained that the party will study the situation and announce its decision, if there will be no submergence and displacement due to the project. The Congress has asked the Government to clarify how many villages will be submerged and the families to be displaced by the project. The BJP has opposed the project. The party had even passed a resolution against the project in the recently held State executive and threatened to launch an agitation if it was not scrapped.
Sindhol
Public hearing before Sindol project: Min
Source : Press Trust of India
published on : 8/3/2011 9:18:23 PM
Bhubaneswar: With resentment brewing in three districts of western Orissa over NHPC's Sindol project, the state government on Wednesday said it would conduct public hearings before implementing Rs 2,600 crore hydel project.
"We will take views of the local people before going ahead with the project," state energy minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak told reporters here.
Though the state government had been claiming that no one would be displaced or no agricultural land be submerged due to Sindol project, to be implemented in a joint venture between the public sector NHPC and the state-owned OHPC, the local people did not accept it.
According the MoU signed between NHPC and OHPC in presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on July 21, Sindol project would have three different hydro-power generation stations with installed capacity of 320 MW. The hydel power generation stations would be located in Sambalpur, Sonepur and Boudh districts.
The people in Sonepur on Wednesday observed a 12-hour bandh at the district headquarters opposing Sindol project.
The controversy over the Sindol project had meanwhile taken political turn with opposition Congress and BJP demanding clarification from the state government. The ruling BJD MLAs from the three districts have also expressed their concern over the state government's action of signing MoU for Sindol project without reading public mind.
Health minister Prasanna Acharya, food and supplies minister Niranjan Pujari and former minister and sitting Birmaharajpur MLA Padmanav Behera, have meanwhile expressed their displeasure over the state government's action of going ahead with the controversial Sindol project without consulting the people's representatives.
Source : Press Trust of India
published on : 8/3/2011 9:18:23 PM
Bhubaneswar: With resentment brewing in three districts of western Orissa over NHPC's Sindol project, the state government on Wednesday said it would conduct public hearings before implementing Rs 2,600 crore hydel project.
"We will take views of the local people before going ahead with the project," state energy minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak told reporters here.
Though the state government had been claiming that no one would be displaced or no agricultural land be submerged due to Sindol project, to be implemented in a joint venture between the public sector NHPC and the state-owned OHPC, the local people did not accept it.
According the MoU signed between NHPC and OHPC in presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on July 21, Sindol project would have three different hydro-power generation stations with installed capacity of 320 MW. The hydel power generation stations would be located in Sambalpur, Sonepur and Boudh districts.
The people in Sonepur on Wednesday observed a 12-hour bandh at the district headquarters opposing Sindol project.
The controversy over the Sindol project had meanwhile taken political turn with opposition Congress and BJP demanding clarification from the state government. The ruling BJD MLAs from the three districts have also expressed their concern over the state government's action of signing MoU for Sindol project without reading public mind.
Health minister Prasanna Acharya, food and supplies minister Niranjan Pujari and former minister and sitting Birmaharajpur MLA Padmanav Behera, have meanwhile expressed their displeasure over the state government's action of going ahead with the controversial Sindol project without consulting the people's representatives.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Mahanadi
Collector assures Inquiry into crop damage
Indian Express 25th July 2011
Sambalpur: Enraged farmers met Sambapur Collector Mrinalini Darswal here on Monday demanding adequate compensation for paddy crop damaged due to emission from the smelter plant of Hindalco at Hirakud. They were led by Sambapur Zilla Krushak Surakhya Sanghatan (SZKSS) president Murari Prasad Purohit.
Darswal assured the farmers to visit damaged farms and take up the issue with Hindalco management. On 23rd July farmers from Nua Jamda, dengimocha and Mohmadpur villages in the vicinity of the smelter plant of Hindalco found their paddy sapling damaged due to release of Suspended particulate matter (SPM) from the plant. Paddy sapling in over 25 acres of land across in three villages were destroyed while standing crop on about 15 acres in Nua Jamda village were damaged.
Later the villagers informed the deputy director of agriculture Ashok Mohanty who dispatched a team of scientists to the spot. The team confirmed damage to the crops.
Indian Express 25th July 2011
Sambalpur: Enraged farmers met Sambapur Collector Mrinalini Darswal here on Monday demanding adequate compensation for paddy crop damaged due to emission from the smelter plant of Hindalco at Hirakud. They were led by Sambapur Zilla Krushak Surakhya Sanghatan (SZKSS) president Murari Prasad Purohit.
Darswal assured the farmers to visit damaged farms and take up the issue with Hindalco management. On 23rd July farmers from Nua Jamda, dengimocha and Mohmadpur villages in the vicinity of the smelter plant of Hindalco found their paddy sapling damaged due to release of Suspended particulate matter (SPM) from the plant. Paddy sapling in over 25 acres of land across in three villages were destroyed while standing crop on about 15 acres in Nua Jamda village were damaged.
Later the villagers informed the deputy director of agriculture Ashok Mohanty who dispatched a team of scientists to the spot. The team confirmed damage to the crops.
Sindhol Updates
Shutdown in Orissa against power plantshttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Bhubaneswar, Aug 9 (IANS) Normal life was affected in two Orissa districts Tuesday with people blocking roads and carrying out marches to protest proposed power plants in the area.
Vehicles went off the road in several places of Sambalpur and Boudh districts due to the daylong shutdown called by Kosal Kranti Dal and Sambalpur Lawyers Association.
Shops, business establishments, schools and colleges were also found closed in leading towns in both the districts, a senior police officer from the region told IANS.
Train services were also affected as protestors squatted on rail tracks at places like Rairakhol and Sambalpur, he said.
The state-run NHPC Ltd last month signed a pact with the state government to set up hydropower plants in Subarnapur (100 MW), Sambalpur (100 MW) and Boudh (120 MW) districts across Mahanadi river in western Orissa.
The government said there will be no displacement due to these projects. It said public hearings will be held in the project area in view of opposition.
However, residents are not buying the arguments.
"The government should scrap the project. Why does the government want to conduct public hearings when the projects are already facing opposition," P.K. Rath, a protest leader, told IANS.
The hydropower generating company will build the plants in five years' time in a joint venture with the Orissa state-run Hydro Power Corporation with a combined investment of Rs.2,600 crore to generate 320 MW power.
Protestors said the projects would hit at least 118 villages wholly or partially and would bring untold miseries and devastation to people of the area.
People also fear the plants will submerge several temples, including the world famous Huma Temple in Sambalpur district.
"People had stoutly opposed this project in the past, why is the government pursuing it again and again," another protestor asked.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 9 (IANS) Normal life was affected in two Orissa districts Tuesday with people blocking roads and carrying out marches to protest proposed power plants in the area.
Vehicles went off the road in several places of Sambalpur and Boudh districts due to the daylong shutdown called by Kosal Kranti Dal and Sambalpur Lawyers Association.
Shops, business establishments, schools and colleges were also found closed in leading towns in both the districts, a senior police officer from the region told IANS.
Train services were also affected as protestors squatted on rail tracks at places like Rairakhol and Sambalpur, he said.
The state-run NHPC Ltd last month signed a pact with the state government to set up hydropower plants in Subarnapur (100 MW), Sambalpur (100 MW) and Boudh (120 MW) districts across Mahanadi river in western Orissa.
The government said there will be no displacement due to these projects. It said public hearings will be held in the project area in view of opposition.
However, residents are not buying the arguments.
"The government should scrap the project. Why does the government want to conduct public hearings when the projects are already facing opposition," P.K. Rath, a protest leader, told IANS.
The hydropower generating company will build the plants in five years' time in a joint venture with the Orissa state-run Hydro Power Corporation with a combined investment of Rs.2,600 crore to generate 320 MW power.
Protestors said the projects would hit at least 118 villages wholly or partially and would bring untold miseries and devastation to people of the area.
People also fear the plants will submerge several temples, including the world famous Huma Temple in Sambalpur district.
"People had stoutly opposed this project in the past, why is the government pursuing it again and again," another protestor asked.
Odisha Environment
Environment Minister Natarajan says 31 projects from Orissa awaiting environmental clearance
Report by OrissaDiary.com correspondent; New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jayanthi Natarajan says 31 projects from Orissa awaiting environmental clearance.
A total of 31 projects from Orissa in the sectors of industry, mining and port projects are awaiting environmental clearance as on 31.07.2011 with the Ministry of Environment & Forests.
The perceived delay in according environmental clearance inter-alia includes non-compliance of the procedures of the EIA Notification 2006 and Circulars of the Ministry, inadequate information on critical environmental parameters, and deficiencies in the Environmental Management Plans by the project proponents.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan in a written reply to a question by Shrimati Renubala Pradhan in Rajya Sabha today.
List of Projects in Orissa Pending for Environmental Clearance
Name of Projects
1. Sponge Iron Plant at District Cattack, Orissa by M/s Virajaa Steel & Power (P) Limited
2. Integrated Steel Plant at District Dhaenkanal, Orissa by M/s Bhushan Steel Limited
3. Integrated steel complex at Village lPotapali/Sikirdi, District Sambalpur, Orissa by M/s. Rathi Steel and Power Limited.
4. Expansion of production of Fibre Cement Corrugated Sheets Accessories from 8,56,000 MTPA to 12,50,000 MTPA at Korian District Dhenkanal Orissa by M/s UAL Orissa Limited (MRPL)
5. Expansion of Integrated Steel Plant at Topadih in District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Deepak Steel & Power Limited
6. Expansion of Clinker Grinding unit at Jharsuguda Cement Works district Jharsuguda Orissa by M/s. Ultra Tech Cement Limited
7. Expansion of existing Pellet Plant with 0.1 MTPA Integrated Steel Plant at Matkambeda Industrial Estate District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Arya Iron & Steel Co. Private Limited
8. Integrated Seel Complex at Katasahi District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Kamaljeet Singh Alhuwalia
B. NON-COAL MINING
9. Dubna-Sakradih Iron & Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Orissa Mining Corporation Ltd., Village(s) Handibhanga, Jampani, Badakalimati, Dubuna, Purunadih, Naibaga and Basantpur, District Keonjhar
10. Talangi Chromite Mine “B” of M/s. IDCOL Ferro Chrome & Alloys Ltd. located at Distt. Jajpur
11. Chhuinpalli Quartzite Mining Project of M/s Tata, Village Chhuinpalli, district Jharsuguda
12 Kasia Iron Ore Mines of M/s Tej Bahadur Lal located at Vill-Kasia, Distt-Keonjhar
13 Sanindpur iron & Manganese Mine of M/s National Enterprises located at Distt. Sundergarh
14 Bhadrasahi Iron and Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Orissa Minerals Deevlopment Co. Ltd. , Village Bhadrasahi, District Keonjhar
15 Thakurani Iron Ore Mining Project of M/s Kaypee Enterprises located in Village Thakurani, Tehsil Barbil, District Keonjhar
16 Bhadrasahi (Kolha-Roida) Iron & Manganese Ore Mine of M/s (Bharat Process & Mechanical Engineers Ltd.) C/O The Orissa Minerals Development Co. Ltd., Village Bhadrasahi, Distt. Keonjhar
17 Nuagaon Iron Ore Beneficiation Plant of M/s Kamaljeet Singh Ahluwalia, Village Guali & Barpada, Distt. Keonjhar
18 EC for Bolani Ore Mines of M/s SAIL, Distt. Keonjhar
19 Tikarpara Pyrophyllite & Quartzite Mines of M/s Banwarilall Newatia, Village Tikarpara & Ambadhara, Distt. Keonjhar
20 Expansion of Khondbond Iron & Manganese Ore Mine of M/s Tata Steel Ltd., Village Khandbond, Tehsil Barbil, Distt. Keonjhar
21 15 MTPA Iron Ore Washing & Beneficiation Plant of M/s Sarda Mines Pvt.Ltd., Village Soyabali, Tehsil-Barbil, Distt.Keonjhar
22 Expansion of Iron Ore Mine of M/s Kalinga Mining Corp., Village Joruri & Khandbandh, Distt. Keonjhar
23 Gonua Iron & Manganese Mines of M/s M.G. Mohanty, Village Gonua, Distt. Sundergarh
24 Jalahuri Iron and Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Mala Roy & Others, Village Jalahuri, District Keonjhar
25 Environmental Clearance of Inganijharan Iron & Manganese Ore Mines of M/s Bhanja Minerals Pvt. Ltd located at Vill-Dadwan&Khuntapani, Distt-Keonjhar
C. COAL MINING
26 Basundhara OCP (2.4 MTPA to 8 MTPA and increase in lease area from 401 ha to 437.10 ha) of M/s MCL, Dist. Sundergarh
27- Expn. of Coal Beneficiation Plant (2 MTPA to 4 MTPA) of M/s Global Coal & Mining Pvt. Ltd., dist. Angul
28- Talabira-1 Coal Mine Project (expansion from 1.5 MTPA to 3 MTPA over 170.305 ha) of M/s HINDALCO located in district Sambalpur
29 Establishment of 5 MTPA Coal Washery of M/s Monnet Ispat & Energy Ltd., located at village Malibrahamani, Tehsil Chendipeda, Dist. Angul
D. PORT PROJECTS
30 Development of all weather deepwater port (phase-I and Phase II only) at Subarnarekha River, Balasore Dt., Orissa by M/s Creative Port Development Pvt. Ltd.
31 Development of Southern Dock Complex for construction of Multi-Purpose Clear Cargo Terminal and Oil terminal at Paradip Port of M/s Paradip Port Trust
Report by OrissaDiary.com correspondent; New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jayanthi Natarajan says 31 projects from Orissa awaiting environmental clearance.
A total of 31 projects from Orissa in the sectors of industry, mining and port projects are awaiting environmental clearance as on 31.07.2011 with the Ministry of Environment & Forests.
The perceived delay in according environmental clearance inter-alia includes non-compliance of the procedures of the EIA Notification 2006 and Circulars of the Ministry, inadequate information on critical environmental parameters, and deficiencies in the Environmental Management Plans by the project proponents.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan in a written reply to a question by Shrimati Renubala Pradhan in Rajya Sabha today.
List of Projects in Orissa Pending for Environmental Clearance
Name of Projects
1. Sponge Iron Plant at District Cattack, Orissa by M/s Virajaa Steel & Power (P) Limited
2. Integrated Steel Plant at District Dhaenkanal, Orissa by M/s Bhushan Steel Limited
3. Integrated steel complex at Village lPotapali/Sikirdi, District Sambalpur, Orissa by M/s. Rathi Steel and Power Limited.
4. Expansion of production of Fibre Cement Corrugated Sheets Accessories from 8,56,000 MTPA to 12,50,000 MTPA at Korian District Dhenkanal Orissa by M/s UAL Orissa Limited (MRPL)
5. Expansion of Integrated Steel Plant at Topadih in District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Deepak Steel & Power Limited
6. Expansion of Clinker Grinding unit at Jharsuguda Cement Works district Jharsuguda Orissa by M/s. Ultra Tech Cement Limited
7. Expansion of existing Pellet Plant with 0.1 MTPA Integrated Steel Plant at Matkambeda Industrial Estate District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Arya Iron & Steel Co. Private Limited
8. Integrated Seel Complex at Katasahi District Keonjhar Orissa by M/s. Kamaljeet Singh Alhuwalia
B. NON-COAL MINING
9. Dubna-Sakradih Iron & Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Orissa Mining Corporation Ltd., Village(s) Handibhanga, Jampani, Badakalimati, Dubuna, Purunadih, Naibaga and Basantpur, District Keonjhar
10. Talangi Chromite Mine “B” of M/s. IDCOL Ferro Chrome & Alloys Ltd. located at Distt. Jajpur
11. Chhuinpalli Quartzite Mining Project of M/s Tata, Village Chhuinpalli, district Jharsuguda
12 Kasia Iron Ore Mines of M/s Tej Bahadur Lal located at Vill-Kasia, Distt-Keonjhar
13 Sanindpur iron & Manganese Mine of M/s National Enterprises located at Distt. Sundergarh
14 Bhadrasahi Iron and Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Orissa Minerals Deevlopment Co. Ltd. , Village Bhadrasahi, District Keonjhar
15 Thakurani Iron Ore Mining Project of M/s Kaypee Enterprises located in Village Thakurani, Tehsil Barbil, District Keonjhar
16 Bhadrasahi (Kolha-Roida) Iron & Manganese Ore Mine of M/s (Bharat Process & Mechanical Engineers Ltd.) C/O The Orissa Minerals Development Co. Ltd., Village Bhadrasahi, Distt. Keonjhar
17 Nuagaon Iron Ore Beneficiation Plant of M/s Kamaljeet Singh Ahluwalia, Village Guali & Barpada, Distt. Keonjhar
18 EC for Bolani Ore Mines of M/s SAIL, Distt. Keonjhar
19 Tikarpara Pyrophyllite & Quartzite Mines of M/s Banwarilall Newatia, Village Tikarpara & Ambadhara, Distt. Keonjhar
20 Expansion of Khondbond Iron & Manganese Ore Mine of M/s Tata Steel Ltd., Village Khandbond, Tehsil Barbil, Distt. Keonjhar
21 15 MTPA Iron Ore Washing & Beneficiation Plant of M/s Sarda Mines Pvt.Ltd., Village Soyabali, Tehsil-Barbil, Distt.Keonjhar
22 Expansion of Iron Ore Mine of M/s Kalinga Mining Corp., Village Joruri & Khandbandh, Distt. Keonjhar
23 Gonua Iron & Manganese Mines of M/s M.G. Mohanty, Village Gonua, Distt. Sundergarh
24 Jalahuri Iron and Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Mala Roy & Others, Village Jalahuri, District Keonjhar
25 Environmental Clearance of Inganijharan Iron & Manganese Ore Mines of M/s Bhanja Minerals Pvt. Ltd located at Vill-Dadwan&Khuntapani, Distt-Keonjhar
C. COAL MINING
26 Basundhara OCP (2.4 MTPA to 8 MTPA and increase in lease area from 401 ha to 437.10 ha) of M/s MCL, Dist. Sundergarh
27- Expn. of Coal Beneficiation Plant (2 MTPA to 4 MTPA) of M/s Global Coal & Mining Pvt. Ltd., dist. Angul
28- Talabira-1 Coal Mine Project (expansion from 1.5 MTPA to 3 MTPA over 170.305 ha) of M/s HINDALCO located in district Sambalpur
29 Establishment of 5 MTPA Coal Washery of M/s Monnet Ispat & Energy Ltd., located at village Malibrahamani, Tehsil Chendipeda, Dist. Angul
D. PORT PROJECTS
30 Development of all weather deepwater port (phase-I and Phase II only) at Subarnarekha River, Balasore Dt., Orissa by M/s Creative Port Development Pvt. Ltd.
31 Development of Southern Dock Complex for construction of Multi-Purpose Clear Cargo Terminal and Oil terminal at Paradip Port of M/s Paradip Port Trust
Friday, July 29, 2011
Orissa CM directs officials to set up mega lift irrigation points on either side of proposed power projects
Report by OrissaDiary.com correspondent; Bhubaneswar: Chief Minsiter Naven Patnaik on Wednesday directed the Water Resources Department to set up mega lift irrigation points on either side of the proposed three barrages of the Sindol hydro power projects on river Mahanadi even as the projects are mired in controversy.
The Chief Minister, while reviewing the renovation of the irrigation projects at the State Secretariat here, said that with the setting up of the mega lift irrigation projects alongside the three stages of the Sindol-1, Sindol-II and Sindol -III projects, the farmers of the three drought-prone districts of Boudh, Sambalpur and Subarnapur would get the desired irrigation facilities.
At the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the acute moisture stress with lurking drought-like situation in at least six districts, Boudh, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Ganjam and Bargarh. He directed the Energy and Water Resources Departments to renovate the lift irrigation points lying defunct and asked the electricity distribution companies to immediately give power connection to the LI points pending disposal of the outstanding dues with round-the-clock power supply to help the farmers avail irrigation facilities.
According to official sources, as many as 1,758 LI points in the State are defunct and 13,861 points are functioning providing irrigation to an estimated 3.11 lakh hectares of land. Since the defunct LI points are in the blocks with below 35 per cent of irrigation potential, the Chief Minister directed the authorities to take immediate steps to make the LI points operational.
It was decided at the meeting that the Government would provide incentives to those Pani Panchayats working for the proper and efficient management of LI points. The Chief Minister also asked the Energy and Water Resources Departments to immediately repair and renovate the defunct LI points.
The Chief Minister asked the Energy Department to take steps for one-time settlement of the outstanding electricity dues and finalise the estimates relating to providing electricity connections to the defunct LI points.
With serious moisture stress and apprehension of Kharif crop loss, the Chief Minister relaxed the norm for setting up of new LI points.
Report by OrissaDiary.com correspondent; Bhubaneswar: Chief Minsiter Naven Patnaik on Wednesday directed the Water Resources Department to set up mega lift irrigation points on either side of the proposed three barrages of the Sindol hydro power projects on river Mahanadi even as the projects are mired in controversy.
The Chief Minister, while reviewing the renovation of the irrigation projects at the State Secretariat here, said that with the setting up of the mega lift irrigation projects alongside the three stages of the Sindol-1, Sindol-II and Sindol -III projects, the farmers of the three drought-prone districts of Boudh, Sambalpur and Subarnapur would get the desired irrigation facilities.
At the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the acute moisture stress with lurking drought-like situation in at least six districts, Boudh, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Ganjam and Bargarh. He directed the Energy and Water Resources Departments to renovate the lift irrigation points lying defunct and asked the electricity distribution companies to immediately give power connection to the LI points pending disposal of the outstanding dues with round-the-clock power supply to help the farmers avail irrigation facilities.
According to official sources, as many as 1,758 LI points in the State are defunct and 13,861 points are functioning providing irrigation to an estimated 3.11 lakh hectares of land. Since the defunct LI points are in the blocks with below 35 per cent of irrigation potential, the Chief Minister directed the authorities to take immediate steps to make the LI points operational.
It was decided at the meeting that the Government would provide incentives to those Pani Panchayats working for the proper and efficient management of LI points. The Chief Minister also asked the Energy and Water Resources Departments to immediately repair and renovate the defunct LI points.
The Chief Minister asked the Energy Department to take steps for one-time settlement of the outstanding electricity dues and finalise the estimates relating to providing electricity connections to the defunct LI points.
With serious moisture stress and apprehension of Kharif crop loss, the Chief Minister relaxed the norm for setting up of new LI points.
Orissa should have policy for keeping rivers, sea unpolluted
PTI | 07:07 PM,Jul 28,2011
Balasore, (Orissa) July 28 (PTI) Orissa endowed with rich natural resources should urgently adopt a policy to keep its rivers and sea free from contamination, Magsaysay award winner Rajendra Singh said today."Unplanned industrialization and massive destruction of forest will result in drying up many perennial water sources in existing rivers in the state," Singh, popularly known as 'water man' who won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for community leadership in 2001 for his pioneering work in water management, told a seminar."The state government must ensure that no industry should pose danger to water sources. Otherwise, drinking water will be an acute problem for society," he said.Stressing on the importance on soil conservation, he said, "instead of indiscriminate construction of concrete spurs and barrages on rivers, tree plantation along the river will keep it free from pollution and help soil conservation." Water conservation, particularly rain water conservation for which he became so popular was not knowledge acquired from any university, but a lesson from illiterate cultivators who learnt from their experience, Singh said. PTI COR AAM PC
PTI | 07:07 PM,Jul 28,2011
Balasore, (Orissa) July 28 (PTI) Orissa endowed with rich natural resources should urgently adopt a policy to keep its rivers and sea free from contamination, Magsaysay award winner Rajendra Singh said today."Unplanned industrialization and massive destruction of forest will result in drying up many perennial water sources in existing rivers in the state," Singh, popularly known as 'water man' who won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for community leadership in 2001 for his pioneering work in water management, told a seminar."The state government must ensure that no industry should pose danger to water sources. Otherwise, drinking water will be an acute problem for society," he said.Stressing on the importance on soil conservation, he said, "instead of indiscriminate construction of concrete spurs and barrages on rivers, tree plantation along the river will keep it free from pollution and help soil conservation." Water conservation, particularly rain water conservation for which he became so popular was not knowledge acquired from any university, but a lesson from illiterate cultivators who learnt from their experience, Singh said. PTI COR AAM PC
Mahanadi Conflict
Mahanadi water allocation draws HC attention
Jul 27, 2011, 11.33pm IST
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has directed the state government to file a reply on allocation of water from river Mahanadi to different industries within two weeks. The directive came from the bench of Chief Justice V Gopala Gowda and Justice B N Mohapatra on Tuesday following a PIL filed by Gouranga Charan Hota, convenor of Mahanadi Banchao Andolan, opposing water being allocated to industries.
The petitioner stated that according to the Water Policy of 2007, river water should be first used for drinking and followed by irrigation. But the state government is busy allocating the river water to industries without considering the plight of the common man and farmers.
The petitioner cited that Mahanadi water has been allocated to industries like Posco and Oil India Limited. This diversion would lead to acute shortage of water and?farmers would face problems in irrigating their land
Jul 27, 2011, 11.33pm IST
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has directed the state government to file a reply on allocation of water from river Mahanadi to different industries within two weeks. The directive came from the bench of Chief Justice V Gopala Gowda and Justice B N Mohapatra on Tuesday following a PIL filed by Gouranga Charan Hota, convenor of Mahanadi Banchao Andolan, opposing water being allocated to industries.
The petitioner stated that according to the Water Policy of 2007, river water should be first used for drinking and followed by irrigation. But the state government is busy allocating the river water to industries without considering the plight of the common man and farmers.
The petitioner cited that Mahanadi water has been allocated to industries like Posco and Oil India Limited. This diversion would lead to acute shortage of water and?farmers would face problems in irrigating their land
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Polavaram Politics
Orissa Argues About Polavaram Dam With Expert Panel
PTI | Bhubaneswar | May 27, 2011
Strongly objecting to the construction of multi-purpose Polavaram dam in Andhra Pradesh, the Orissa government has drawn the attention of the Supreme Court-appointed expert committee to four different aspects of the project, including the design, officials said today.
The state government along with neighbouring Chhattisgarh in a joint memorandum to the expert committee, headed by Gopalkrishna, said that the Polavaram project would adversely affect the two states if its design was not changed, said Water Resource secretary Suresh Mohapatra.
While Polavaram project was initially made with a capacity for flow of 36 lakh cusecs, it was later increased to 50 lakh cusecs after changing its original design, he said.
The state government, represented during a spot verification by the committee at the project site by engineer-in-chief Harish Behera, said the proposed embankment in a river in Orissa, would lead to the submergence of many tribal villages in Malkangiri district.
Besides, Behera also pointed out that the mandatory palli sabha (village council) meeting was not held in areas likely to be affected due to the project. "Therefore, we have every reason to oppose the project," Behera said.
Earlier, the state government had moved the Supreme Court seeking a halt to the Polavaram project as it was allegedly being constructed by violating several laws and an agreement between Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.
PTI | Bhubaneswar | May 27, 2011
Strongly objecting to the construction of multi-purpose Polavaram dam in Andhra Pradesh, the Orissa government has drawn the attention of the Supreme Court-appointed expert committee to four different aspects of the project, including the design, officials said today.
The state government along with neighbouring Chhattisgarh in a joint memorandum to the expert committee, headed by Gopalkrishna, said that the Polavaram project would adversely affect the two states if its design was not changed, said Water Resource secretary Suresh Mohapatra.
While Polavaram project was initially made with a capacity for flow of 36 lakh cusecs, it was later increased to 50 lakh cusecs after changing its original design, he said.
The state government, represented during a spot verification by the committee at the project site by engineer-in-chief Harish Behera, said the proposed embankment in a river in Orissa, would lead to the submergence of many tribal villages in Malkangiri district.
Besides, Behera also pointed out that the mandatory palli sabha (village council) meeting was not held in areas likely to be affected due to the project. "Therefore, we have every reason to oppose the project," Behera said.
Earlier, the state government had moved the Supreme Court seeking a halt to the Polavaram project as it was allegedly being constructed by violating several laws and an agreement between Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Water Conflict in Brahmani
Odisha Farmer leader to start indefinite hunger strike from 23rd Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Report by Orissa Diary correspondent; Dhenkanal: The rengali right canal project has been started from the very beginning of 1996, the total expense till date is 723 crores, the proposed irrigated land will be 1 lakh 4 thousand 92 hector. Whereas, out of this irrigated land Lanco industry got 376 hector, GMR kamalang got 455 hector and NTPC, Cesc & Chambal got thousands of hectors.
The District administration favors illegally to the corporate whereas the farmers’ face a lots of problems in the district. The latest example is the Talabarakote village, where the Horticulture gave 2 lakh 20 thousand 543 rupees for Pamolin farming in 51.8 acres. But, astonishingly, now these 51.8 acres of land was donated to the proposed NTPC unit along with thousands of acres of kaju plantation. Installation of 6 electronic traffic systems in a small city like Dhenkanal with the help of 35 Lakhs from Lanco & NTPC establishes the nexus between the district body & the corporate.
There was a tender fixing of 6.25 crores in the Left canal and crores & crores in the right canal project, where the quality of construction & work is very poor. The vigilance knows everything, but it was silent. This shows the integrity of the district administration for eradication of the corruption.
The assistant director of factories & boilers of dhenkanal filed 46 cases against the Bhusan company in the hon’ble court of the SDJM, Dhenkanal. But, he does not know the number of hearings. That means, we’ll go on making cases against the companies, but not thinking of the hearings or judgments’. This proves the exact aim of the director.
The ministry of environment & forests of government of India suspended the final approval under section 2 of the Forest ( Conservation ) Act, 1980 for diversion of 61.48 ha of revenue forest / DPF in Dhenkanal & Angul districts of odisha for setting up of an integrated steel plant by Bhusan steel & strips limited on 11th December 2006 and ordered the state government to take serious actions against the violators. But till date no action was taken by the administration.
The assistant engineer & BDO of the sadar block make serious corruptions having nexus with selected contractors.
The assistant general manager of the supply corporation make a scam of around 5 crores with the help of 19 milers during 2009 -10 paddy procurement by taking lakhs of gunny-bags of the farmers illegally.
The 27 farm ponds done by the soil conservation department has not gone to the real beneficiaries.
ICOMM, the contractor of village level electrification in dhenkanal, on 8th april 2010 tried to make electrical connections at karadabani of nihalprasad thana without taking prior permission, for which one innocent labor of ICOMM from khamar thana Dibakar Behera burnt by electric-shock & then died. But, till date no enquiry was done by the departments.
9.86 acres of debottar land was given by the district administration to the ARSS company for establishment of a mega crosser unit at Nityanandapur, by not obeying the judgment of the hon’ble high court given during 1961. Also the enquiry report regarding this made by the continuing sub-collector Biswanath Acharya has been deliberately misplaced by the officials.
From the above serious points, you can easily think up the integrity of the district administration and their feelings for the poor & the farmers. The elected representatives & party leaders are only thinking for the betterment of themselves & their respective parties. This hurts a lot to the most – innocent dhenkanal people. They’re now self – motivated for any type of agitations for the cause of their right to live in a democratic country like India.
For this, only by a call of krishak sangharsh samiti, nearly 5 thousand farmers from all panchayats of the district rushed to the collector’s office with their own vehicle arrangements on 30th march 2011 and handed over a note of 35 demands to the collector for the governor.
On 4th April at 10.30 am Dhenkanal collector Girish S.N. discussed with , the convener of krishak sangharsh samiti and eminent farmer leader Er. Debashisha Hota, regarding the problems of the farmers to find out the practical & immediate solutions. The scheduled meeting was attended by the PD-DRDA, Dhenkanal Sub-collector, Minor Irrigation Executive Engineer, Flood Executive Engineer, presidents of all Pani-Pachayats, District Civil Supplies Officer and Deputy Director of agriculture. The important demands agreed by the collector are vigilance enquiry to unfold the corruption of crores of rupees in paddy procurement, high-level enquiry for the illegal selling of Sri Raghunathjew lands to ARSS for a mega crosser unit at Nityanandapur, transfer the elephants to the nearest wild-life, change the venue of Gajamara NTPC proposed unit to some other area having more non-agricultural lands, take serious action against Bhusan steel, BRG steel & Rana sponge for their uncontrolled air & water pollution, stop giving river & canal water and agricultural lands for industrialization and agricultural industries should be encouraged.
Today, at the conference hall of hotel debkanya, a press meet was done by the district committee of Krishak Sangharsh Samiti, where Er. Hota threatened for hunger strike till death from coming 23rd May for the sake of the poor farmers of this district, since the collector has disobeyed the agreed 20 demands.
The district secretary Niranjan Sahoo, district treasurer Ranjan Kumar Lenka, district executive body members Pravakar Poi, Sribatsa Biswal, Brajabandhu Sethy, Bijay Ketan Pradhan, Kuna Naik, Kamakhyanagar Block President Pramod Kumar Sethy, Kankadahad Block President Vagirathi Baral & Odapada Block President Sudhakar Sahu, threatened to paralyze the entire district after 23rd May, if the collector disobeys his own decisions.
Report by Orissa Diary correspondent; Dhenkanal: The rengali right canal project has been started from the very beginning of 1996, the total expense till date is 723 crores, the proposed irrigated land will be 1 lakh 4 thousand 92 hector. Whereas, out of this irrigated land Lanco industry got 376 hector, GMR kamalang got 455 hector and NTPC, Cesc & Chambal got thousands of hectors.
The District administration favors illegally to the corporate whereas the farmers’ face a lots of problems in the district. The latest example is the Talabarakote village, where the Horticulture gave 2 lakh 20 thousand 543 rupees for Pamolin farming in 51.8 acres. But, astonishingly, now these 51.8 acres of land was donated to the proposed NTPC unit along with thousands of acres of kaju plantation. Installation of 6 electronic traffic systems in a small city like Dhenkanal with the help of 35 Lakhs from Lanco & NTPC establishes the nexus between the district body & the corporate.
There was a tender fixing of 6.25 crores in the Left canal and crores & crores in the right canal project, where the quality of construction & work is very poor. The vigilance knows everything, but it was silent. This shows the integrity of the district administration for eradication of the corruption.
The assistant director of factories & boilers of dhenkanal filed 46 cases against the Bhusan company in the hon’ble court of the SDJM, Dhenkanal. But, he does not know the number of hearings. That means, we’ll go on making cases against the companies, but not thinking of the hearings or judgments’. This proves the exact aim of the director.
The ministry of environment & forests of government of India suspended the final approval under section 2 of the Forest ( Conservation ) Act, 1980 for diversion of 61.48 ha of revenue forest / DPF in Dhenkanal & Angul districts of odisha for setting up of an integrated steel plant by Bhusan steel & strips limited on 11th December 2006 and ordered the state government to take serious actions against the violators. But till date no action was taken by the administration.
The assistant engineer & BDO of the sadar block make serious corruptions having nexus with selected contractors.
The assistant general manager of the supply corporation make a scam of around 5 crores with the help of 19 milers during 2009 -10 paddy procurement by taking lakhs of gunny-bags of the farmers illegally.
The 27 farm ponds done by the soil conservation department has not gone to the real beneficiaries.
ICOMM, the contractor of village level electrification in dhenkanal, on 8th april 2010 tried to make electrical connections at karadabani of nihalprasad thana without taking prior permission, for which one innocent labor of ICOMM from khamar thana Dibakar Behera burnt by electric-shock & then died. But, till date no enquiry was done by the departments.
9.86 acres of debottar land was given by the district administration to the ARSS company for establishment of a mega crosser unit at Nityanandapur, by not obeying the judgment of the hon’ble high court given during 1961. Also the enquiry report regarding this made by the continuing sub-collector Biswanath Acharya has been deliberately misplaced by the officials.
From the above serious points, you can easily think up the integrity of the district administration and their feelings for the poor & the farmers. The elected representatives & party leaders are only thinking for the betterment of themselves & their respective parties. This hurts a lot to the most – innocent dhenkanal people. They’re now self – motivated for any type of agitations for the cause of their right to live in a democratic country like India.
For this, only by a call of krishak sangharsh samiti, nearly 5 thousand farmers from all panchayats of the district rushed to the collector’s office with their own vehicle arrangements on 30th march 2011 and handed over a note of 35 demands to the collector for the governor.
On 4th April at 10.30 am Dhenkanal collector Girish S.N. discussed with , the convener of krishak sangharsh samiti and eminent farmer leader Er. Debashisha Hota, regarding the problems of the farmers to find out the practical & immediate solutions. The scheduled meeting was attended by the PD-DRDA, Dhenkanal Sub-collector, Minor Irrigation Executive Engineer, Flood Executive Engineer, presidents of all Pani-Pachayats, District Civil Supplies Officer and Deputy Director of agriculture. The important demands agreed by the collector are vigilance enquiry to unfold the corruption of crores of rupees in paddy procurement, high-level enquiry for the illegal selling of Sri Raghunathjew lands to ARSS for a mega crosser unit at Nityanandapur, transfer the elephants to the nearest wild-life, change the venue of Gajamara NTPC proposed unit to some other area having more non-agricultural lands, take serious action against Bhusan steel, BRG steel & Rana sponge for their uncontrolled air & water pollution, stop giving river & canal water and agricultural lands for industrialization and agricultural industries should be encouraged.
Today, at the conference hall of hotel debkanya, a press meet was done by the district committee of Krishak Sangharsh Samiti, where Er. Hota threatened for hunger strike till death from coming 23rd May for the sake of the poor farmers of this district, since the collector has disobeyed the agreed 20 demands.
The district secretary Niranjan Sahoo, district treasurer Ranjan Kumar Lenka, district executive body members Pravakar Poi, Sribatsa Biswal, Brajabandhu Sethy, Bijay Ketan Pradhan, Kuna Naik, Kamakhyanagar Block President Pramod Kumar Sethy, Kankadahad Block President Vagirathi Baral & Odapada Block President Sudhakar Sahu, threatened to paralyze the entire district after 23rd May, if the collector disobeys his own decisions.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Power Politics in Water
Odisha Government approved proposal of two power projects in the state
Report by Orissa Diary correspondent; Bhubaneswar: The single window committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik has approved proposal of two power projects in the state. M/S Praima Power and Infra Ltd will set up a 60 MW production capacity power plant at Gania of Nayagarh district with an investment of Rs 300 crore . About 80 persons will be employed and it will use water of Mahanadi river.
Similarly M/S Konark Kranti Energy Ltd will set up a 110 MW power plant at Baghiapada of Boudh district with an investment of Rs 435 crore . About 70 persons will be employed and it also use Mahanadi river water.
Report by Orissa Diary correspondent; Bhubaneswar: The single window committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik has approved proposal of two power projects in the state. M/S Praima Power and Infra Ltd will set up a 60 MW production capacity power plant at Gania of Nayagarh district with an investment of Rs 300 crore . About 80 persons will be employed and it will use water of Mahanadi river.
Similarly M/S Konark Kranti Energy Ltd will set up a 110 MW power plant at Baghiapada of Boudh district with an investment of Rs 435 crore . About 70 persons will be employed and it also use Mahanadi river water.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Mapping of rivers under consideration
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BHUBANESWAR: Orissa is contemplating mapping all river systems in the State on various parameters in the wake of pollution being perceived due to release of waste water by industries and urban local bodies into rivers.
“While allocation of river water for agriculture and industrial purposes is a highly debated subject, quality of river water is slowly emerging a major concern. We are thinking of preparing indices for each river,” State Forest and Environment Secretary Aurobindo Behera said one the sidelines of a seminar here on Sunday.
“We would like to know where we are on different parameters such as quality, quantity, usage and discharge of waste water being released into river water by industries and urban local bodies,” Mr. Behera said.
The Forest and Environment Secretary said the present policy and enforcement mechanism to tackle river pollutions also needed to be reexamined.
“Moreover, urban centres are expanding across the State. The daily effluent being generated from cities are also dumped in rivers. It will create a problem in future,” he said.
The State government has signed a memorandum of understanding with private companies for close to 100 projects including steel manufacturing, thermal power and alumina refinery.
According to industries department, about 30 projects in the steel sector have started partial production in addition to about 100 sponge iron units. Most of the upcoming industrial and mining projects are coming up depending on water in rivers like Mahanadi, Brahmani and Baitarani.
http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/25/stories/2011042561790400.htm
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BHUBANESWAR: Orissa is contemplating mapping all river systems in the State on various parameters in the wake of pollution being perceived due to release of waste water by industries and urban local bodies into rivers.
“While allocation of river water for agriculture and industrial purposes is a highly debated subject, quality of river water is slowly emerging a major concern. We are thinking of preparing indices for each river,” State Forest and Environment Secretary Aurobindo Behera said one the sidelines of a seminar here on Sunday.
“We would like to know where we are on different parameters such as quality, quantity, usage and discharge of waste water being released into river water by industries and urban local bodies,” Mr. Behera said.
The Forest and Environment Secretary said the present policy and enforcement mechanism to tackle river pollutions also needed to be reexamined.
“Moreover, urban centres are expanding across the State. The daily effluent being generated from cities are also dumped in rivers. It will create a problem in future,” he said.
The State government has signed a memorandum of understanding with private companies for close to 100 projects including steel manufacturing, thermal power and alumina refinery.
According to industries department, about 30 projects in the steel sector have started partial production in addition to about 100 sponge iron units. Most of the upcoming industrial and mining projects are coming up depending on water in rivers like Mahanadi, Brahmani and Baitarani.
http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/25/stories/2011042561790400.htm
Friday, April 15, 2011
River Linking
India priortises 5 river interlinking projectshttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Out of a total 30 river linking projects, the government has shortlisted five including the Godavari-Krishna and Dawan-Ganga-Pinjal schemes
Published on 04/15/2011 - 09:52:54 AM
Kolkata: The central government is currently giving priority to five river interlinking projects, including the Godavari-Krishna and Dawan-Ganga-Pinjal schemes, a senior official said.
"There are a total of 30 river linking projects. We are now giving priority to five," Central Water Commission Chairman AK Bajaj said.
The five projects include Ken-Betwa rivers interlink between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, Par-Tapi-Narmada rivers and Dawan-Ganga-Pinjal rivers between Gujarat and Maharashtra, Chambal-Kali-Sindh rivers between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, and Godavari-Krishna rivers between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Bajaj said.
According to him, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra have agreed to share water with other states, but states like Orissa and Chhattisgarh were raising some issues, reports IANS.
On India's water sharing with other countries, Bajaj said: "Our country has water sharing treaties with all SAARC nations, except Sri Lanka."
"Nepal is not sharing water with us, but Bhutan is pragmatic in water sharing as 50 per cent of the country's gross domestic product comes from selling electricity," Bajaj added.
Out of a total 30 river linking projects, the government has shortlisted five including the Godavari-Krishna and Dawan-Ganga-Pinjal schemes
Published on 04/15/2011 - 09:52:54 AM
Kolkata: The central government is currently giving priority to five river interlinking projects, including the Godavari-Krishna and Dawan-Ganga-Pinjal schemes, a senior official said.
"There are a total of 30 river linking projects. We are now giving priority to five," Central Water Commission Chairman AK Bajaj said.
The five projects include Ken-Betwa rivers interlink between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, Par-Tapi-Narmada rivers and Dawan-Ganga-Pinjal rivers between Gujarat and Maharashtra, Chambal-Kali-Sindh rivers between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, and Godavari-Krishna rivers between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Bajaj said.
According to him, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra have agreed to share water with other states, but states like Orissa and Chhattisgarh were raising some issues, reports IANS.
On India's water sharing with other countries, Bajaj said: "Our country has water sharing treaties with all SAARC nations, except Sri Lanka."
"Nepal is not sharing water with us, but Bhutan is pragmatic in water sharing as 50 per cent of the country's gross domestic product comes from selling electricity," Bajaj added.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Polavaram Politics
Chhattisgarh to file petition in SC soon
BS Reporter / Kolkata/ Bhubaneswar April 05, 201http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif1, 0:39 IST
No difference of opinion with Orissa, says Chhattisgarh minister
The row over the controversial Polavaram project is set to intensify further with the Chhattisgarh government bracing itself to file a petition in the Supreme Court of India, keeping in view the interests of its affected people.
"The negotiations with the Orissa Chief Minister were optimistic. There is no difference of opinion with the Orissa government on the Polavaram project. We are soon going to file a petition in the Supreme Court keeping in view the concerns of the people of our state to be affected by the project", Vikram Usendi, minister (forest, public enterprises & public grievances), Chhattisgarh government told media persons after emerging out of a meeting with the Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
"We don't have any difference of opinion with the Chhattisgarh government as far as the Polavaram project is concerned", said Suresh Mohapatra, principal secretary (water resources), Orissa government.
Meanwhile, the hearing on the Polavaram project in the apex court has been deferred till next Monday. The Andhra Pradesh government today filed the names of three experts- M Gopalakrishnan, B M Ahuja and J Hassan with the apex court.
It may be noted that on last Friday, the Supreme Court had pulled up the Andhra Pradesh government for its failure to submit names of experts in connection with the Polavaram project within the time-frame stipulated by the court.
The Orissa government has already filed the names of experts with the apex court.
The members of the expert committee constituted by the Orissa government are Anil D Mohile, former chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC), D K Goswami, professor of IIT-Delhi and M Perumal, professor of IIT-Roorkee.
In accordance with the direction of the Supreme Court, Orissa had constituted a three-member expert committee to examine various issues pertaining to the controversial Polavaram project.
The Orissa government had approached the Supreme Court on September 4 last year, challenging the Centre's decision to give final environmental clearance for the project.
On October 4 last year, the apex court had asked the Government of India to file its response within a month to the petition filed by the Orissa government in connection with the controversial Polavaram project.
In its suit, Orissa had sought a declaration that Andhra Pradesh had no right or entitlement to undertake or proceed with the Polavaram project on the Godavari river. It had also stated that embankments were not permanent solutions to effectively contain submergence during floods.
Moreover, the extent of submergence due to design flood (which had been revised to 50 lakh cusecs from the original 36 lakh cusecs by the CWC itself) and the backwater effect along the Sabari and Sileru limbs (flowing through Orissa territory into the Godavari in Andhra Pradesh) had been finalised by the CWC without estimating the flood contributions from these limbs separately by following any rational procedure or acceptable norm, according to the petition filed by the Orissa government.
As per the estimates of the state government, the project was likely to submerge 2119.38 hectares of land in Naxalite-affected tribal areas of Malkangiri .
BS Reporter / Kolkata/ Bhubaneswar April 05, 201http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif1, 0:39 IST
No difference of opinion with Orissa, says Chhattisgarh minister
The row over the controversial Polavaram project is set to intensify further with the Chhattisgarh government bracing itself to file a petition in the Supreme Court of India, keeping in view the interests of its affected people.
"The negotiations with the Orissa Chief Minister were optimistic. There is no difference of opinion with the Orissa government on the Polavaram project. We are soon going to file a petition in the Supreme Court keeping in view the concerns of the people of our state to be affected by the project", Vikram Usendi, minister (forest, public enterprises & public grievances), Chhattisgarh government told media persons after emerging out of a meeting with the Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
"We don't have any difference of opinion with the Chhattisgarh government as far as the Polavaram project is concerned", said Suresh Mohapatra, principal secretary (water resources), Orissa government.
Meanwhile, the hearing on the Polavaram project in the apex court has been deferred till next Monday. The Andhra Pradesh government today filed the names of three experts- M Gopalakrishnan, B M Ahuja and J Hassan with the apex court.
It may be noted that on last Friday, the Supreme Court had pulled up the Andhra Pradesh government for its failure to submit names of experts in connection with the Polavaram project within the time-frame stipulated by the court.
The Orissa government has already filed the names of experts with the apex court.
The members of the expert committee constituted by the Orissa government are Anil D Mohile, former chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC), D K Goswami, professor of IIT-Delhi and M Perumal, professor of IIT-Roorkee.
In accordance with the direction of the Supreme Court, Orissa had constituted a three-member expert committee to examine various issues pertaining to the controversial Polavaram project.
The Orissa government had approached the Supreme Court on September 4 last year, challenging the Centre's decision to give final environmental clearance for the project.
On October 4 last year, the apex court had asked the Government of India to file its response within a month to the petition filed by the Orissa government in connection with the controversial Polavaram project.
In its suit, Orissa had sought a declaration that Andhra Pradesh had no right or entitlement to undertake or proceed with the Polavaram project on the Godavari river. It had also stated that embankments were not permanent solutions to effectively contain submergence during floods.
Moreover, the extent of submergence due to design flood (which had been revised to 50 lakh cusecs from the original 36 lakh cusecs by the CWC itself) and the backwater effect along the Sabari and Sileru limbs (flowing through Orissa territory into the Godavari in Andhra Pradesh) had been finalised by the CWC without estimating the flood contributions from these limbs separately by following any rational procedure or acceptable norm, according to the petition filed by the Orissa government.
As per the estimates of the state government, the project was likely to submerge 2119.38 hectares of land in Naxalite-affected tribal areas of Malkangiri .
Chhattisgarh delegation meets Odisha CM over problems of drinking water in Jagdalpur
Report by Orissa Diary correspondent; Bhubaneswar: A high level delegation from Chhattisgarh meets Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik at Bhubaneswar on Monday. The delegation of Chhattisgarh has discussed with the Chief Minister on Monday in the Orissa Secretariat on the problems of drinking water in Jagdalpur of Chhattisgarh.
The Chief Minister has directed to construct two barrages on Indrâvati river and Ghora canal. The funds will be given by the Chhattisgarh government for construction of above two projects. After construction of abovetwo projects, the drinking water problem of Jagdalpur will be solved.
The delegation of Chhatisgarh headed by the Minister of Forest Bikram Ussendi discussed with the Chief Minister. Secretary of Water Resources Suresh Chandra Mohapatra and other senior officers were present at the time of discussion.
Report by Orissa Diary correspondent; Bhubaneswar: A high level delegation from Chhattisgarh meets Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik at Bhubaneswar on Monday. The delegation of Chhattisgarh has discussed with the Chief Minister on Monday in the Orissa Secretariat on the problems of drinking water in Jagdalpur of Chhattisgarh.
The Chief Minister has directed to construct two barrages on Indrâvati river and Ghora canal. The funds will be given by the Chhattisgarh government for construction of above two projects. After construction of abovetwo projects, the drinking water problem of Jagdalpur will be solved.
The delegation of Chhatisgarh headed by the Minister of Forest Bikram Ussendi discussed with the Chief Minister. Secretary of Water Resources Suresh Chandra Mohapatra and other senior officers were present at the time of discussion.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Polavaram Politics
Public hearing on Polavaram irrigation project
Raipur, March 16 (IANS) After strong objections of Chhattisgarh, the central government has decided to hold a public hearing over a planned irrigation project on Godavari river by neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, the state assembly was informed Wednesday.
"Union Minister for Forest and Environment Jairam Ramesh has agreed to hold a public hearing on Polavaram irrigation project after the Chhattisgarh government strongly put the case before him," an official statement said.
According to the Chhattisgarh government, the project will submerge 7,500 hectares of forest land in the state and will affect population of 20 villages in Dantewada district.
The statement said Ramesh has informed Chief Minister Raman Singh by a letter about the decision to hold a public hearing.
Last week too, Raman Singh told the state assembly that the government would oppose the project "at all levels as it is not acceptable to Chhattisgarh".
Ramesh too has objected to the Andhra Pradesh going ahead with the project without settling the issue of building embankments with the Chhattisgarh and Orissa governments.
Raipur, March 16 (IANS) After strong objections of Chhattisgarh, the central government has decided to hold a public hearing over a planned irrigation project on Godavari river by neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, the state assembly was informed Wednesday.
"Union Minister for Forest and Environment Jairam Ramesh has agreed to hold a public hearing on Polavaram irrigation project after the Chhattisgarh government strongly put the case before him," an official statement said.
According to the Chhattisgarh government, the project will submerge 7,500 hectares of forest land in the state and will affect population of 20 villages in Dantewada district.
The statement said Ramesh has informed Chief Minister Raman Singh by a letter about the decision to hold a public hearing.
Last week too, Raman Singh told the state assembly that the government would oppose the project "at all levels as it is not acceptable to Chhattisgarh".
Ramesh too has objected to the Andhra Pradesh going ahead with the project without settling the issue of building embankments with the Chhattisgarh and Orissa governments.
Idco kicks off land acquisition for ultra mega power project
BS Reporter / Kolkata/ Bhubaneswar March 18, 2011, 0:14 IST
The Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation of Orissa Ltd (Idco) has filed proposal for alienation of 3244.16 acres of land for the 4000 MW Ultra Mega Power Project (UMPP) proposed to be set up at Bhedabahal in Sundergarh district.
According to the information provided by Raghunath Mohanty, the minister for industries and steel & mines on the floor of the house, the alienation proposal has been filed for 512.21 acres of government land and 2731.95 acres of private land.
The UMPP is being taken up at an investment of around Rs 16,000 crore. The Orissa Integrated Power Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of Power Finance Corporation (PFC), the nodal agency for UMPPs, has extended the deadline for submitting the response to 'Request for Qualification' (RFQ) for this project to March 31.
Water for this UMPP has been allocated from the Ib river and check dams and barrages would be put up on the river for this purpose. The project has been allotted Meenakshi, Meenakshi-B and Dipside Meenakshi coal blocks containing a total reserve of 880 million tonnes.
Besides the Bhedabahal UMPP, there are proposals to set up two additional UMPPs in the state. While the Centre proposed to set up the second UMPP in Bolangir district, five locations have been shortlisted for the third UMPP- Kirtania, Dhamara, Astaranga, Paradeep and Gopalpur. The Centre has sought additional information on the suitability of these locations and the concerned departments of the state government would furnish the information on the same, said an official source.
Orissa would get 1300 MW from the first UMPP at Bhedabahal and 50 per cent of the power generated by the other two UMPPs.
The Orissa government has signed MoUs (Memorandum of Understanding) with as many as 27 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for setting up power plants with a combined capacity of 32,420 MW. Seventeen of these IPPs have been asked to go for super critical technologies.
In addition to this, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has announced to set up two new super thermal power plants in the state- 4800 MW plant at Darlipalli in Sundergarh district and one 3200 MW plant at Gajmara in Dhenkanal district.
The navratna power utility, with an installed capacity of 3460 MW in Orissa, will invest over Rs 50,000 crore for creating additional capacity of 9320 MW in the state by the end of 2017.
Besides setting up two mega power projects at Darlipalli and Gajamara, NTPC is also scaling up the capacity of its existing thermal power station at Talcher by adding 1320 MW (2x660 MW) through two supercritical units.
BS Reporter / Kolkata/ Bhubaneswar March 18, 2011, 0:14 IST
The Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation of Orissa Ltd (Idco) has filed proposal for alienation of 3244.16 acres of land for the 4000 MW Ultra Mega Power Project (UMPP) proposed to be set up at Bhedabahal in Sundergarh district.
According to the information provided by Raghunath Mohanty, the minister for industries and steel & mines on the floor of the house, the alienation proposal has been filed for 512.21 acres of government land and 2731.95 acres of private land.
The UMPP is being taken up at an investment of around Rs 16,000 crore. The Orissa Integrated Power Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of Power Finance Corporation (PFC), the nodal agency for UMPPs, has extended the deadline for submitting the response to 'Request for Qualification' (RFQ) for this project to March 31.
Water for this UMPP has been allocated from the Ib river and check dams and barrages would be put up on the river for this purpose. The project has been allotted Meenakshi, Meenakshi-B and Dipside Meenakshi coal blocks containing a total reserve of 880 million tonnes.
Besides the Bhedabahal UMPP, there are proposals to set up two additional UMPPs in the state. While the Centre proposed to set up the second UMPP in Bolangir district, five locations have been shortlisted for the third UMPP- Kirtania, Dhamara, Astaranga, Paradeep and Gopalpur. The Centre has sought additional information on the suitability of these locations and the concerned departments of the state government would furnish the information on the same, said an official source.
Orissa would get 1300 MW from the first UMPP at Bhedabahal and 50 per cent of the power generated by the other two UMPPs.
The Orissa government has signed MoUs (Memorandum of Understanding) with as many as 27 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for setting up power plants with a combined capacity of 32,420 MW. Seventeen of these IPPs have been asked to go for super critical technologies.
In addition to this, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has announced to set up two new super thermal power plants in the state- 4800 MW plant at Darlipalli in Sundergarh district and one 3200 MW plant at Gajmara in Dhenkanal district.
The navratna power utility, with an installed capacity of 3460 MW in Orissa, will invest over Rs 50,000 crore for creating additional capacity of 9320 MW in the state by the end of 2017.
Besides setting up two mega power projects at Darlipalli and Gajamara, NTPC is also scaling up the capacity of its existing thermal power station at Talcher by adding 1320 MW (2x660 MW) through two supercritical units.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Polavaram Politics
Since I have made a commitment on the floor of the House and I have stressed the need to implement the Polavaram project with the full cooperation of Orissa and Chhattisgarh, I would request for your cooperation in the matter to facilitate conduct of public hearings in Orissa and Chhattisgarh soon Jairam Ramesh, environment minister
SEEKING to mediate in the inter-state dispute over the Polavaram hydel and irrigation project in Andhra Pradesh, environment minister Jairam Ramesh on Friday asked the governments of Orissa and Chhattisgarh to help Andhra Pradesh in carrying out the mandatory public hearings for construction of embankments in areas under their jurisdiction.
Jairam wrote to the chief ministersof boththestatessayingthat Andhra Pradesh had already re questedthestatepollutioncontrol boards of Orissa and Chhattisgarh to facilitate public hearings fortheprojectbuthadnotreceived any response so far. The letter was sent after Jairam gave an assurance in the Rajya Sabha today that he would get the three states together to resolve the long-standing dispute over the R17,000 crore mega-project that will produce 960-MW electricity and irrigate nearlythreelakhhectaresof land.
"Since I have made a commitmentonthefloorof theHouseandI have stressed the need to implement the Polavaram project with the full cooperation of Orissa and Chhattisgarh, I would request for your cooperation in the matter to facilitate conduct of public hearings in Orissa and Chhattisgarh soon," Jairam said in his letter to RamanSinghandNaveenPatnaik. The public hearings have been necessitated by the design changesmadebyAndhraPradesh in the project because of which a fresh environmental clearance was required. Andhra Pradesh of fered to construct protective embankments on Sabari and Sileru rivers in Chhattisgarh and Orissa after the two states had had protestedagainsttheproject,complaining that it was likely to sub merge a number of their villages.
The project had initially been cleared by the Environment Ministry in 2005. Following the design changes, an amended clearance was granted in 2009 subject to the result of the public hearings to be conducted by Andhra Pradesh government in the two states. The affected areas fall under Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh and Malkangiri district of Orissa, both naxal-infested areas with large tribal populations.
Since the public hearings were not held, the Ministry had last November issued a showcause notice to Andhra Pradesh asking why the clearance must not be withdrawn.
Earlier, Jairam made a statement in Rajya Sabha on the issue after BJP's Venkaiah Naidu raise the matter and suggested that the Central government needed to intervene in resolving the dispute between the three states. He offered to arrange a meeting between the three chief ministers if that was required.
http://epaper.financialexpress.com/FE/FE/2011/03/05/ArticleHtmls/05_03_2011_005_010.shtml
SEEKING to mediate in the inter-state dispute over the Polavaram hydel and irrigation project in Andhra Pradesh, environment minister Jairam Ramesh on Friday asked the governments of Orissa and Chhattisgarh to help Andhra Pradesh in carrying out the mandatory public hearings for construction of embankments in areas under their jurisdiction.
Jairam wrote to the chief ministersof boththestatessayingthat Andhra Pradesh had already re questedthestatepollutioncontrol boards of Orissa and Chhattisgarh to facilitate public hearings fortheprojectbuthadnotreceived any response so far. The letter was sent after Jairam gave an assurance in the Rajya Sabha today that he would get the three states together to resolve the long-standing dispute over the R17,000 crore mega-project that will produce 960-MW electricity and irrigate nearlythreelakhhectaresof land.
"Since I have made a commitmentonthefloorof theHouseandI have stressed the need to implement the Polavaram project with the full cooperation of Orissa and Chhattisgarh, I would request for your cooperation in the matter to facilitate conduct of public hearings in Orissa and Chhattisgarh soon," Jairam said in his letter to RamanSinghandNaveenPatnaik. The public hearings have been necessitated by the design changesmadebyAndhraPradesh in the project because of which a fresh environmental clearance was required. Andhra Pradesh of fered to construct protective embankments on Sabari and Sileru rivers in Chhattisgarh and Orissa after the two states had had protestedagainsttheproject,complaining that it was likely to sub merge a number of their villages.
The project had initially been cleared by the Environment Ministry in 2005. Following the design changes, an amended clearance was granted in 2009 subject to the result of the public hearings to be conducted by Andhra Pradesh government in the two states. The affected areas fall under Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh and Malkangiri district of Orissa, both naxal-infested areas with large tribal populations.
Since the public hearings were not held, the Ministry had last November issued a showcause notice to Andhra Pradesh asking why the clearance must not be withdrawn.
Earlier, Jairam made a statement in Rajya Sabha on the issue after BJP's Venkaiah Naidu raise the matter and suggested that the Central government needed to intervene in resolving the dispute between the three states. He offered to arrange a meeting between the three chief ministers if that was required.
http://epaper.financialexpress.com/FE/FE/2011/03/05/ArticleHtmls/05_03_2011_005_010.shtml
Polavaram Politics
Jairam misled the house to give a push to Polavaram Project
"A short-time green crusader Jairam Ramesh is perhaps coming to his own colours. One of the key persons who advocated for economic liberalisation in India, Jairam became the green terror for a while by putting a halt to the projects of Vedanta, POSCO, JSPL in Orissa and many other projects in other parts. But his sudden turn to uphold the interests of TATA, POSCO, Jindal Steel and Powers in Orissa and a few other corporate houses in other parts has given him the image of a green traitor. Recently, his presentation of facts about Polavaram Project in the upper house of Indian Parliament has come as another blame for misleading the house."
In response to a Short Notice Question in Rajya Sabha on the controversial Polavaram Project of Andhra Pradesh, the Union Environment & Forests Minister for State Shri Jairam Ramesh, whose basic statutory role is that of a regulator, acted like a promoter and promissory statement in the house on March 4, 2011 that he would call a meeting of the Chief Ministers of Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh to clear the path for environment clearance to the project. Mr Ramesh and his promise were more in line to promote the project that was in clean conflict with his statutory role as a regulator. While role of the Environment ministry is to ensure that statutory and legal procedures are followed before a project is considered for environment clearance, the Minister clearly acted against his statutory role by making such a promise.
The Minister should instead be concerned that the Polavaram project authorities have not submitted a single half yearly compliance report since the project was given a clearance in October 2005 and, the irony is, his ministry has taken no action yet. He should also be concerned about the embankment that the ministry cleared was not part of the original plan and project proposal.
When there has been no study or assessment of the possible impacts or viability of the proposed embankment, the question thrown by Jairam against himself is, on which basis his ministry gave the forest clearance in July 2010?
During the debate on March 4, 2011 the minister also informed the Parliament that “the final stage-II forest clearance for the Polavaram Project was given way back in July, 2010” and never mentioned about non-compliance of FRA (Forest Rights Act) while giving the clearance. The minister seemed to be misleading the Parliament here.
It has been brought to the attention of the Minister by water management expert Himanshu Thakkar that the forest clearance was given by the MoEF in July 2010 without settling issues related to the Rights of dwellers living in the affected villages as required under the FRA. Gram Sabha resolutions to that effect from seven villages to be affected by proposed forest diversion for the Polavaram project have been sent to the Minister and also to the members of the statutory Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) constituted under the Forest Conservation Act. Similar resolutions from additional fifteen villages have been sent from Andhra Pradesh. Following Mr. Thakkar’s letter, Minister had responded that he would get the issues examined. The very next day, on Nov 22, 2010, Mr Ramesh himself wrote to the then AP CM Shri K Rosaiah saying, “the matter that has been made available to me clearly seems to indicate that the claims of local tribal communities do not seem to have been settled. This is a very serious matter.”
The Minister, however, having received no response from the AP Chief Minister, wrote again to the new AP CM Kiran Kumar Reddy on Jan 25, 2011 adding, “I am awaiting a response from the state government.”
In the meantime, following a detailed representation including gram sabha resolutions to all the FAC members, the statutory committee in its meeting on Oct 25, 2010 (minutes are available on MEF website) decided, “The FAC recommended that these complaints may be sent to the Ministry of Environment & Forests to take appropriate action at the Ministry level. The Ministry may give special consideration to the following:
Examine the alleged FRA violations and request the State Government to provide details on FRA compliance as per the law and circular of Aug. 2009; Examine the issue of forest land diversion for the embankments which are planned to prevent the submergence in adjoining States (the existing project report makes no mention of forest diversion for embankment even though it requires huge forest land and needs a special mention or, at least, an inclusion) in the Project proposal; Examine the discrepancies between the facts submitted when seeking clearance from the FAC and EAC respectively and take action if necessary.”
FAC being a statutory body, the state government has to satisfy the committee on the issues specifically raised by it. This is yet to happen.
Under these circumstances, the forest clearance given to the project cannot be considered final and the minister should have brought this issue to the notice of the upper house. Not mentioning these issues while talking about the Forest clearance is tantamount to misleading the house.
Here, it may also be added that the Central Electricity Authority is yet to give concurrence to the power component of the Polavaram project. Such a concurrence is a statutory requirement under section 8 of Electricity Act 2003. The CEA, in response to an RTI query has informed SANDRP that the application of concurrence from Polavaram was returned to the developer without any concurrence due to issues related to hydrology and because proposed installed capacity of 960 MW is unviable. The proposal to increase the cost of the project to Rs. 16010.45 crores from Rs. 10151.04 crores was also not accepted by the advisory Committee on Irrigation, Flood Control and Multi Purpose Projects in its meeting on Oct 27 2010 following intervention by Joint Secretary (Exp), Dept of Expenditure. A number of petitions are also pending in courts against the project. The Project was earlier given funding under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) under erroneous claims. The Command area of the Polavaram project also significantly coincides with the command areas of Pushkara and Tadipudi Lift Irrigation Schemes, both of which are also getting funds under AIBP. CAG has already raised questions about all these. Almost all the claimed clearances of the project seem to be raising a lot more questions on many fronts.
Under these circumstances, when the project looks to be moving against all laws of the land, consideration of the project by the Union government under National Project scheme (as stated by the minister in Parliament) and making it eligible for 90% central funding seems to be a more unlawful act pursued by the government itself.
"A short-time green crusader Jairam Ramesh is perhaps coming to his own colours. One of the key persons who advocated for economic liberalisation in India, Jairam became the green terror for a while by putting a halt to the projects of Vedanta, POSCO, JSPL in Orissa and many other projects in other parts. But his sudden turn to uphold the interests of TATA, POSCO, Jindal Steel and Powers in Orissa and a few other corporate houses in other parts has given him the image of a green traitor. Recently, his presentation of facts about Polavaram Project in the upper house of Indian Parliament has come as another blame for misleading the house."
In response to a Short Notice Question in Rajya Sabha on the controversial Polavaram Project of Andhra Pradesh, the Union Environment & Forests Minister for State Shri Jairam Ramesh, whose basic statutory role is that of a regulator, acted like a promoter and promissory statement in the house on March 4, 2011 that he would call a meeting of the Chief Ministers of Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh to clear the path for environment clearance to the project. Mr Ramesh and his promise were more in line to promote the project that was in clean conflict with his statutory role as a regulator. While role of the Environment ministry is to ensure that statutory and legal procedures are followed before a project is considered for environment clearance, the Minister clearly acted against his statutory role by making such a promise.
The Minister should instead be concerned that the Polavaram project authorities have not submitted a single half yearly compliance report since the project was given a clearance in October 2005 and, the irony is, his ministry has taken no action yet. He should also be concerned about the embankment that the ministry cleared was not part of the original plan and project proposal.
When there has been no study or assessment of the possible impacts or viability of the proposed embankment, the question thrown by Jairam against himself is, on which basis his ministry gave the forest clearance in July 2010?
During the debate on March 4, 2011 the minister also informed the Parliament that “the final stage-II forest clearance for the Polavaram Project was given way back in July, 2010” and never mentioned about non-compliance of FRA (Forest Rights Act) while giving the clearance. The minister seemed to be misleading the Parliament here.
It has been brought to the attention of the Minister by water management expert Himanshu Thakkar that the forest clearance was given by the MoEF in July 2010 without settling issues related to the Rights of dwellers living in the affected villages as required under the FRA. Gram Sabha resolutions to that effect from seven villages to be affected by proposed forest diversion for the Polavaram project have been sent to the Minister and also to the members of the statutory Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) constituted under the Forest Conservation Act. Similar resolutions from additional fifteen villages have been sent from Andhra Pradesh. Following Mr. Thakkar’s letter, Minister had responded that he would get the issues examined. The very next day, on Nov 22, 2010, Mr Ramesh himself wrote to the then AP CM Shri K Rosaiah saying, “the matter that has been made available to me clearly seems to indicate that the claims of local tribal communities do not seem to have been settled. This is a very serious matter.”
The Minister, however, having received no response from the AP Chief Minister, wrote again to the new AP CM Kiran Kumar Reddy on Jan 25, 2011 adding, “I am awaiting a response from the state government.”
In the meantime, following a detailed representation including gram sabha resolutions to all the FAC members, the statutory committee in its meeting on Oct 25, 2010 (minutes are available on MEF website) decided, “The FAC recommended that these complaints may be sent to the Ministry of Environment & Forests to take appropriate action at the Ministry level. The Ministry may give special consideration to the following:
Examine the alleged FRA violations and request the State Government to provide details on FRA compliance as per the law and circular of Aug. 2009; Examine the issue of forest land diversion for the embankments which are planned to prevent the submergence in adjoining States (the existing project report makes no mention of forest diversion for embankment even though it requires huge forest land and needs a special mention or, at least, an inclusion) in the Project proposal; Examine the discrepancies between the facts submitted when seeking clearance from the FAC and EAC respectively and take action if necessary.”
FAC being a statutory body, the state government has to satisfy the committee on the issues specifically raised by it. This is yet to happen.
Under these circumstances, the forest clearance given to the project cannot be considered final and the minister should have brought this issue to the notice of the upper house. Not mentioning these issues while talking about the Forest clearance is tantamount to misleading the house.
Here, it may also be added that the Central Electricity Authority is yet to give concurrence to the power component of the Polavaram project. Such a concurrence is a statutory requirement under section 8 of Electricity Act 2003. The CEA, in response to an RTI query has informed SANDRP that the application of concurrence from Polavaram was returned to the developer without any concurrence due to issues related to hydrology and because proposed installed capacity of 960 MW is unviable. The proposal to increase the cost of the project to Rs. 16010.45 crores from Rs. 10151.04 crores was also not accepted by the advisory Committee on Irrigation, Flood Control and Multi Purpose Projects in its meeting on Oct 27 2010 following intervention by Joint Secretary (Exp), Dept of Expenditure. A number of petitions are also pending in courts against the project. The Project was earlier given funding under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) under erroneous claims. The Command area of the Polavaram project also significantly coincides with the command areas of Pushkara and Tadipudi Lift Irrigation Schemes, both of which are also getting funds under AIBP. CAG has already raised questions about all these. Almost all the claimed clearances of the project seem to be raising a lot more questions on many fronts.
Under these circumstances, when the project looks to be moving against all laws of the land, consideration of the project by the Union government under National Project scheme (as stated by the minister in Parliament) and making it eligible for 90% central funding seems to be a more unlawful act pursued by the government itself.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Compensate Salandi-Nalia river project affected people – NHRC to Orissa
18.01.2011 | 20:52
Bhubaneswar
Samir Hota
A two day camp of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) started today in Bhubaneswar. NHRC Chairperson, Justice KG Balakrishnan along with members Justice BC Patel, Satyabrata Pal and PC Sharma initiated the process of hearing 105 pending cases relating to the state.
The commission today took up a case alleging violation of Land Acquisition Act and relief and rehabilitation policy pertaining to the Rs. 99.14 crore Salandi-Nalia river sanskar project in the state. A case was filed before the commission alleging that state had failed to observe provisions of the Land Acquisition Act.
Lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy who preferred the petition on behalf of about 10,000 affected by the project in Bhadrak district of the state argued for compensation of the victims as well as rehabilitation of the project affected persons.
The commission in view of the state’s failure to present its case deployed its special rapporteur who termed implementation of the project as blatantly illegal. It was also later found that compensation was not paid, rehabilitation process was not undertaken, socio-economic survey was yet to be started and that the design of the project was changed without any prior approval.
Giving its findings today the full commission directed the state government to take immediate action and rehabilitate the displaced people and provide them the actual amount of compensation immediately. The commission also observed that Land Acquisition Act may be suitable amended if necessary.
Speaking to Law et al. News Tripathy said that it is satisfactory that the commission in its full bench expressed anguish over functioning of government officials. Saying that today’s order comes as a pain killer for the victims he hoped that the larger issues will be soon resolved after today’s scathing remarks by the commission. However, he also expressed his apprehensions over implementation and execution of the commission’s order mentioning that the commission itself was alarmed by the delay in response by the administration.
18.01.2011 | 20:52
Bhubaneswar
Samir Hota
A two day camp of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) started today in Bhubaneswar. NHRC Chairperson, Justice KG Balakrishnan along with members Justice BC Patel, Satyabrata Pal and PC Sharma initiated the process of hearing 105 pending cases relating to the state.
The commission today took up a case alleging violation of Land Acquisition Act and relief and rehabilitation policy pertaining to the Rs. 99.14 crore Salandi-Nalia river sanskar project in the state. A case was filed before the commission alleging that state had failed to observe provisions of the Land Acquisition Act.
Lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy who preferred the petition on behalf of about 10,000 affected by the project in Bhadrak district of the state argued for compensation of the victims as well as rehabilitation of the project affected persons.
The commission in view of the state’s failure to present its case deployed its special rapporteur who termed implementation of the project as blatantly illegal. It was also later found that compensation was not paid, rehabilitation process was not undertaken, socio-economic survey was yet to be started and that the design of the project was changed without any prior approval.
Giving its findings today the full commission directed the state government to take immediate action and rehabilitate the displaced people and provide them the actual amount of compensation immediately. The commission also observed that Land Acquisition Act may be suitable amended if necessary.
Speaking to Law et al. News Tripathy said that it is satisfactory that the commission in its full bench expressed anguish over functioning of government officials. Saying that today’s order comes as a pain killer for the victims he hoped that the larger issues will be soon resolved after today’s scathing remarks by the commission. However, he also expressed his apprehensions over implementation and execution of the commission’s order mentioning that the commission itself was alarmed by the delay in response by the administration.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
NHRC to hear right violations by river projects in Orissa
Monday, January 17, 2011
Bhadrak: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will hear the Salandi-Nalia, Reba-Kapali, Kansbans and other river Sanskar projects on which there are allegation of human rights violations.
The Commission has decided to hear the cases 439/18/18/09-10 along with 410 other petitions during its Odisha camp on January 18 and 19.
All these petitions have been filed before it pertaining to human rights violations in various river Sanskar projects. The issue was first brought to the notice of the Commission in May, 2008 by noted human rights activist and Supreme Court lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy.
NHRC had investigated twice Salandi Nalia River Sanskar Project and asked the state government to pay compensation and rehabilitate the victims.
Armed with RTI replies and success in protecting human rights of the victims in Salandi Nalia Sanskar project Tripathy again moved the NHRC.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Bhadrak: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will hear the Salandi-Nalia, Reba-Kapali, Kansbans and other river Sanskar projects on which there are allegation of human rights violations.
The Commission has decided to hear the cases 439/18/18/09-10 along with 410 other petitions during its Odisha camp on January 18 and 19.
All these petitions have been filed before it pertaining to human rights violations in various river Sanskar projects. The issue was first brought to the notice of the Commission in May, 2008 by noted human rights activist and Supreme Court lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy.
NHRC had investigated twice Salandi Nalia River Sanskar Project and asked the state government to pay compensation and rehabilitate the victims.
Armed with RTI replies and success in protecting human rights of the victims in Salandi Nalia Sanskar project Tripathy again moved the NHRC.
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