Odisha Gears Up for Key Meeting with PM Modi on Polavaram Project
Odisha to strongly defend its interests on land, water, and tribal rights
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to chair a high-level meeting on May 28 with the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh to discuss the long-disputed Polavaram Project. This will be the first time the Prime Minister directly engages with all four states to resolve the matter.
The Polavaram Project, a major irrigation and hydroelectric venture in Andhra Pradesh, has faced stiff opposition from Odisha, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh over the years. Several petitions against the project are still pending in the Supreme Court, mainly due to concerns over displacement and environmental impact, especially in tribal areas.
In preparation for the meeting, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently chaired a strategy session with senior officials to finalise the state’s approach. Odisha is gearing up to firmly present its stand, focusing on protecting the rights and resources of its people.
Speaking to the media, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said Odisha will not compromise on its core issues such as land, water, and regional rights.
“We will place our arguments backed by facts and evidence. The Water Resources Department has prepared a detailed presentation. We believe these issues should be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding,” Harichandan said.
He also criticised the previous state government, claiming it was slow to act on the legal front and failed to protect Odisha’s interests.
“The former government neglected the issue and avoided meaningful discussion, putting political gains ahead of public welfare,” he alleged.
Odisha and Chhattisgarh have expressed concerns about possible flooding and displacement of tribal communities if the project proceeds in its current form. With PM Modi stepping in, all eyes are on the May 28 meeting, which is expected to chart a clearer course toward resolving the long-standing regional dispute.
