Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an important meeting with the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh on May 28 to discuss the Polavaram Project, a major irrigation and hydroelectric initiative that has faced delays due to disputes between the states.
This will be the first time PM Modi directly engages with the Chief Ministers of all four states together on this issue. The Polavaram Project, located in Andhra Pradesh, is designed to provide water for irrigation, generate electricity, and supply drinking water. However, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana have raised concerns over its potential impact on their regions, including land submergence and displacement of people.
Ahead of the meeting, Odisha held a preparatory session led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to finalize its position. The state has previously expressed concerns about villages in its territory being affected by the project’s backwaters. Similarly, Chhattisgarh and Telangana have also raised objections, leading to legal battles.
The upcoming meeting is seen as a crucial step toward finding a resolution to the long-standing disputes. If an agreement is reached, it could speed up the completion of the project, which has been delayed for years due to legal and political hurdles.
The Polavaram Project is one of India’s largest multi-purpose irrigation schemes, and its successful implementation could benefit millions of farmers and boost power generation in the region. However, balancing the interests of all four states remains a major challenge.
The outcome of the May 28 meeting will be closely watched, as it could determine the future of this ambitious project.
This will be the first time PM Modi directly engages with the Chief Ministers of all four states together on this issue. The Polavaram Project, located in Andhra Pradesh, is designed to provide water for irrigation, generate electricity, and supply drinking water. However, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana have raised concerns over its potential impact on their regions, including land submergence and displacement of people.
Preparations for the Meeting
According to reports, the Chief Secretaries of the four states have already been informed about the meeting through a video conference. The discussion will include the Chief Ministers, Irrigation Ministers, and senior officials from each state, as well as representatives from the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Central Water Commission, and the Polavaram Project Authority.Ahead of the meeting, Odisha held a preparatory session led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to finalize its position. The state has previously expressed concerns about villages in its territory being affected by the project’s backwaters. Similarly, Chhattisgarh and Telangana have also raised objections, leading to legal battles.
Legal Challenges Pending
Several petitions filed by Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana regarding the Polavaram Project are currently pending in the Supreme Court. The states argue that the project could lead to flooding, displacement of tribal communities, and environmental damage.The upcoming meeting is seen as a crucial step toward finding a resolution to the long-standing disputes. If an agreement is reached, it could speed up the completion of the project, which has been delayed for years due to legal and political hurdles.
The Polavaram Project is one of India’s largest multi-purpose irrigation schemes, and its successful implementation could benefit millions of farmers and boost power generation in the region. However, balancing the interests of all four states remains a major challenge.
The outcome of the May 28 meeting will be closely watched, as it could determine the future of this ambitious project.
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