Malkangiri: Members of several outfits from Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana, who oppose Polavaram muti-purpose irrigation project in Andhra Pradesh, Saturday blocked Visakhapatnam-Bhadrachalam main road at Chintor in AP to register their protests.
The place of protest is close to Orissa border and connects all these states, it was learnt.
The demonstration by the people’s representatives, social activists and conscious citizens of all the states disrupted vehicular movement for long hours.
According to the activists of the joint forum, the Centre, despite its understanding of the disputable nature of the project, gave nod to Andhra Pradesh government to proceed on the issue. While the project would displace thousands of people of the four states including tribals and forest dwellers, thousands of acres of forest and natural resources would submerge in water, they said.
Though Orissa government moved the Supreme Court seeking scrapping of the project and the matter is sub judice, the Centre has decided to go ahead with the project disrespecting the apex court and ignoring the interests of four states, the members alleged. They vowed to intensify their stir against Polavaram project in coming days and spread awareness on it in rural areas.
Malkangiri MLA Manas Madkami, senior BJP leader Soya Muka of Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh leader P Bijay Naidu, Bhadrachalam MLA Suman Raja of Telangana, former Lok Sabha MP Adim Babu Rao were present at the protest site.
Among others, Saberi Sangharsh Samiti chairman K Hari Singh, Vanvasi Chetana Ashram’s Khagapati and thousands of social activists took part in the protest. PNN
