The Hindu : New Delhi News : Polavaram: CWC asked to submit report on submergence

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Polavaram: CWC asked to submit report on submergence

J. Venkatesan

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Central Water Commission to examine and submit a report on the nature and extent of submergence likely to occur in the execution of the Rs. 12,000 crore Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh.

When the matter came up on Friday before a three-Judge Bench comprising the Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Justice Arijit Pasayat and Justice S.H. Kapadia, senior counsel K.K. Venugopal, appearing for the State pleaded for granting permission for execution of the project contending that all the necessary clearances had been obtained.

He submitted that to prevent submergence and flooding, the CWC had recommended construction of embankments and this would be fully implemented. Pointing out that the project was pending for a long time, he pleaded for granting clearance subject to adequate safeguards.

However, counsel for Orissa and Chhattisgarh submitted that the level and extent of submergence in their States as a result of the implementation of the project in Andhra Pradesh had not been examined. In view of this the Bench asked the CWC to consider this aspect and submit a report and directed listing of the matter for directions on March 28. To a question from the CJI on relief and rehabilitation measures, Mr. Venugopal said that the government would complete rehabilitation one year prior to the completion of the project.

He said that the government had decided to take up Indira Sagar (Polavaram) project with an estimated cost of about Rs. 12,000 cr. He said that this project was of great importance for the economy of the State and for the livelihood of the people of four districts.

It would also help in generating 960 MW of powerin the State. The State in its petition also said “there will be a net increase in annual agriculture production of Rs. 2,296 crore, which will add to the GNP of the country. It helps in providing assured water supply to the industries and drinking water needs to Visakhapatnam city and hundreds of villages.”

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