Naveen Patnaik writes to Modi over dam project
Odisha CM sought the PM's intervention not to allow the construction of the project until all the pending issues are settled by the apex court.
Bhubaneswar: Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing concerns over the ongoing construction work of Polavaram project.
“At a time when the matter is sub-judice, construction of the project is unfortunate,” the CM said in the letter.
“I am concerned about the way the interests of the people of Odisha are being sacrificed... It is unfortunate that the construction of the project is going on at a rapid pace despite the pendency of the matter in the SC,” the letter read.
He also mentioned in the letter that if the project is permitted to proceed, a large number of villages in Odisha belon-ging to Scheduled Tribes will be submerged.
“The project works are going on without conducting any public hearing in Odisha which is mandatory requirement for getting any environmental clearance. It is surprising that neither the concerns of those most affected by the project nor their involvement is sought,” Mr Patnaik added.
He sought the PM’s intervention not to allow the construction of the project until all the pending issues are settled by the apex court.