Interview Andhra Pradesh Major Irrigation Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah
Andhra Pradesh Major Irrigation Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah talks to S.Ramakrishna on why the state is for the Polavaram project.
"We have spent over Rs 1,500 crore on the project'
Polavaram project: We are well aware of our responsibilities. We are following a very humanitarian approach on the project. No displaced person or family would be subjected to injustice. We have come up with the best resettlement and rehabilitation package in the country and are prepared to further improve it after consulting with affected people and their representatives. Besides, we have spent Rs 1,500 crore on various works.
Moving the High Court: The National Environment Appellate Authority has no power or jurisdiction over an irrigation project which has already been cleared by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. Section 11 and Section 11 (1) of Environmental Appellate Authority Act mandate it.
Neighbouring states: The Andhra Pradesh government is ready to build a protection wall along the 11 villages in Orissa and Chhattisgarh to prevent further submergence. The wall is technically feasible and within Andhra, we have built similar walls along Godavari flood hit areas in 1958.