Kalimela: A delegation of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Thursday visited Motu in Malkangiri district to take stock of the situation arising out of the Polavaram project being executed by the Andhra Pradesh Government.
The team, led by its member Ananata Nayak, is on a three-day visit to Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
On reaching Motu, the team held talks with local people about the project. It has always been alleged that scores of villages spread over four states including Chhattisgarh will be affected by the Indira Sagar multi-purpose project.
Besides, large tracts of farmland will be surbmerged by its water while thousands of people will lose their livelihood. Notably, the central government has granted national status to the project.
The state government has opposed the project while various outfits have been strongly opposing it by organizing agitations, rallies in the affected areas.
Over 30 people from three neighbouring states were present during the visit.
The members of the commission sought opinion of people of Motu, Pusuguda, Malabharam, Lachhipata and Tandabai panchayats on how far they will be affected by the project.
Officials of the district administration and various departments were present. The team visited various riparian areas where farming is said to be affected by the project. They talked to the Collector and local MLA about the issue.
PNN