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"This shows quite clearly the negative attitude of both Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi towards the people of Odisha. As you know, our state government has filed a case in the Supreme Court against the construction of the project and have requested to lower the height of the dam. The matter is pending before the court," Patnaik said after returning from his 12-day long trip to New Delhi.
Both Modi and Gandhi have promised to expedite work on Polavaram dam project in Seemandhra during election rallies in that region. Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo who had raised objections to the design of the proposed dam citing displacement issues in the state, said, every step will be taken to ensure that poor people do not suffer.
"We will ensure that our people do not suffer because of the project," Patnaik added.
The row over Polavaram has been lingering over several decades, as Odisha and Chhattisgarh have been opposing the design and construction pattern of the dam. The current pattern of construction will have catastrophic effect in areas in these two states including submergence of several villages and displacement of large scale tribal population, both the state governments argue.
Last week, the Union Cabinet approved a proposal to set up the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) for execution of the controversial multi-purpose (irrigation and power generation) project in Seemandhra. The PPA has been formed to fast track the project which is still locked up in litigation.
Reacting to the decision of the Centre, the Odisha government has said, it will act once details of the decision are known. The government is also in the process of examining the issue of displacement of people in Malkangiri district where large areas are feared to be inundated if the project is established.
During interaction with news persons here, Patnaik said, during his stay in Delhi he was not in touch with any leader of any political party for formation of Third Front.
"As you know, it's early days yet. Let's see what happens in future," he said.
--EOM--
