Jairam Ramesh objects to further construction in Polavaram irrigation project

NEW DELHI: The Rs 17,000 crore Polavaram irrigation project could run into heavy weather. Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has objected to the Andhra Pradesh Government going ahead with construction for the project without settling with the Chhattisgarh and Orissa governments the issue of building embankments. Both states have argued that they have not been consulted by the Andhra Pradesh Government. The Orissa Government has taken the matter to the Supreme Court.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh has informed the Environment Minister that the Andhra Pradesh Government was yet to consult his Government on the issue of embankments. In his letter dated February 23, Singh said that in keeping with the 1980 interstate agreement, Chhattisgarh had the option of being compensated or have protective embankments which would ensure zero submergence. "No consultation has been done with the Chhattisgarh Government for exercising the said options and construction of Polavaram project has been stated by the Andhra Pradesh Government," Singh letter to Ramesh said.

Embankments have to be built along the 29 km stretch on River Sabari in Chhattisgarh and 30 km stretch along Rivers Silery and Sabari in Orissa. The protective embankments are essential to avoid submergence in either Chhattisgarh or Orissa.

The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister also referred to the issue of height of the dam. The Godavari Water Tribunal (GWT) award of 1978 stated that the full reservoir level of the Polavaram project would not exceed 150 feet. The maximum submergence would then be in the Konta tehsil of Dantewada district.