The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Experts concerned over Polavaram

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Friday, Aug 17, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Experts concerned over Polavaram

B.V.S. Bhaskar

Polavaram (East Godavari): Environmental and engineering experts have expressed concern over construction of the proposed Polavaram major irrigation project (also called Indirasagar project). They are particularly worried over clearances and permissions by different Central Government agencies and also alleged violation of certain laws.

After the visit of the Supreme Court Empowered Committee three months ago, the experts raised objections over the project construction and many NGOs and political parties, too, raised their voice against the Relief and Rehabilitation package announced in some parts of the project areas.

Jayaprakasha Rao, a professor and irrigation and environmental expert, alleged that without rectifying the deficiencies pointed out, the Government of Andhra Pradesh informed the CWC that it had modified its earlier proposals and sought to convince it to clear the project.

The government, in violation of the Bachawat Award, issued a G.O. (No.74) granting administrative approval for right main canal for Rs.1,320 crores, Prof. Rao charged.

He alleged that the State government also violated the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

It also violated the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as the construction of the project would result in partial submergence of the Papikonda Wild Life Sanctuary by not seeking permission from the National Board for Wild Life under Sub-Section (3) of Section 26(A) of the Act.

Another professor T. Patanjali Sastry of the Environment Centre said the State government did not mentioned in its Environmental Impact Assessment Report about the Dam Break analysis prepared by a Roorky Company.

Venkata Nagesh, NRI and another engineering environmental expert, criticised the construction.

He said that they opposed the project as the same benefits could be achieved by alternative ways.

He said they were not against development per se, but deplored the manner in which the government was taking up the project.

The government’s actions seemed to confirm the views of many in the State that a politician–contractor nexus existed.

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