Stop the Polavaram project as it will cause ‘permanent injury’ to Odisha: Patnaik writes to PM Modi

Bhubaneswar (Odisha): Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that if the project on Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh continues then it will cause “permanent injury” to the interests of Odisha.
“If the project is allowed to be completed before the resolution of all the pending cases, it will cause permanent injury to the interest of the state of Odisha and its people,” Patnaik said in a letter to Modi.
His letter comes in response to the Environment Ministry’s decision to extend the construction of the Polavaram Multipurpose Project.
The Chief Minister had written several letters to the Prime Minister in the recent past, warning the Centre of severe environmental consequences in his state if the project is allowed to be completed.
Echoing similar concern, Patnaik urged Modi to intervene in the matter and give directions to “stop” the construction work of the project. “I would earnestly request you to kindly intervene in the matter and give appropriate direction to stop the construction work of the Polavaram Project immediately until all the pending issues are resolved,” the letter read.
Patnaik’s government has been opposing the project for its design which could pose danger for Odisha. “Once the project is completed there will be impounding of the reservoir and it may not be possible to change the design and operating parameters of the project thereafter,” he said.