BJD threatens to intensify stir against Polavaram project

Bhubaneswar, Sept 11 (PTI) Toughening its stand onPolavaram issue after the Centre announced it will finance theproject, the ruling BJD today threatened to intensify itsstir against the multi-purpose dam in Andhra Pradesh, sayingit will displace a large number of poor tribals in Odisha. Many villages in tribal-dominated Malkangiri andRayagada would be adversely affected by the project and BJDwould trongly protest the "anti-Odisha" move of the NDAgovernment at the Centre, BJD spokesperson Suryanarayan Patrotold reporters here. It is unfortunate that the Centre has announced afinancial package for Andhra Pradesh, which includes fullfunding of the Polavaram irrigation project despite knowingthat the matter is sub-judice, he said. Announcing BJD’s agitational plan against Polavaramproject, both Patra and Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD) presidentSanjay Das Burma said a demonstration would he held near RajBhawan here on September 14. A memorandum addressed to President Pranab Mukherjeewould also be submitted to Governor S C Jamir to lodge aprotest against the multi-purpose project, which wouldsubmerge many areas and displace a large number of poortribals in Odisha, Das Burma said. (More) PTI SKN DKB SCKKB