BHUBANESWAR: Andhra Pradesh Government has again evinced interest in discussing the Polavaram issue with Orissa Government for a solution. The move comes after the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) issued a "showcause threat" to the AP Government on the controversial Polavaram project and sought an explanation from it for undertaking work without holding public hearing in areas to be affected in Orissa and Chhattisgarh. This is the second time the Andhra Pradesh Government has proposed talks on Polavaram issue this year. Orissa Government, opposing the multi-purpose project since its conception, had earlier refused to hold a discussion with AP Chief Minister K Rosaiah. The AP Water Resources department Secretary had called up his Orissa counterpart Suresh Chandra Mohapatra on Monday and proposed discussion. However, the State Government is yet to take a decision on the fresh proposal. Sources said there is no point in discussions between the two States at this juncture as Orissa Government has already moved the Supreme Court and the matter is sub judice. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will take the call in this regard. Officials said Orissa Government is mainly opposed to the design of the proposed dam and has alleged violation of Forest Rights Act (FRA). In the present design, about 50 lakh cusec water would flow through the barrage over the Godavari river, submerging a large tract of land in Malkangiri district. Though AP Government has proposed building a 30km embankment along the Saberi and the Sileru rivers, this was not in the original plan. These embankments within Orissa territory could affect discharge of water to the Godavari river and submerge a large area. The MoEF has taken exception to starting the construction work by AP Government without having an environment impact assessment for the modified project. Though there were clear guidelines to hold public hearing in the affected areas, it is yet to be done in Malkangiri district. In its letter, the Ministry has asked AP Government to give details on the construction status of the dam and also explain why a formal showcause should not be issued for not following the norms.