The Hindu Business Line : `Polavaram project poses threat to Rajahmundry'

The proposed construction of a dam at Polavaram in West Godavari poses a grave threat to Rajahmundry in East Godavari district and Kovvuru in West Godavari and therefore the mega irrigation project, christened Indira Sagar, should be given up by the State Government, the environmentalist, Dr T. Sivaji Rao, said.

Stoking the flames of controversy raging over the Polavaram project, as it entails large-scale displacement of tribals besides possible eco damage, Dr Sivaji Rao made the observation at a UGC-sponsored seminar on environmental pollution organised by the Siddhartha College of Arts and Sciences here on Friday.

He said that the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, had submitted a report in 1999, warning of dire consequences to Rajahmundry and Kovvuru. "According to the report, in the event of a dam burst, both Rajahmundry and Kovvuru could be washed away within ten hours," he said.

Polavaram, he said, was prone to furious flooding. "It is a grave mistake to build the dam at such a place, 34 km from Rajahmundry. At the most, a barrage can be considered," he said.

Accusing the engineers of misleading the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, on the project, he urged the CM to reconsider the issue and retrace his steps. He also found fault with the people's representatives from the area for being indifferent to the possible consequences of the project.

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