By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, September 11, 2016 : The ruling Biju Janata Dal [BJD] plans a series of protests opposing Polavarm project.

The decision was taken at Naveen Niwas [the residence of chief minister Naveen Patnaik] on Saturday.

“The decision of the Centre to give environment clearance to Polavaram project is unfortunate. The manner in which the BJP-led NDA government is trying to displace the poor tribals of some areas in Malkangiri and Rayagada districts, the BJD has decided to launch a series of agitations”, BJD spokesperson Surya Narayan Patro told media persons.

Even as the matter is sub judice in the Supreme Court, the Centre, in gross violation of the rules, has given approval to the formation of Polavaram Project Authority (PPA), Patra claimed.

Food Supply and Consumer Welfare minister Sanjay Dasburma said the BJD will stage dharna and protest meeting in front of Raj Bhawan here on September 14 against the unilateral decision of the Centre and submit a memorandum to the President of India through the Governor.

“Besides, BJD will also stage dharna and protest meeting in front of the collectorate in Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts on September 20 and submit a memorandum to the President of India through the Governor through the district collectors.

If the Centre does not respond positively to our demand by September 20, we will stage peaceful hartal in these seven South Odisha districts onOctober 1. BJD has also decided to intensify its agitation in the coming days if the Centre does not take any concrete steps to safeguard the interest of Odisha,” he pointed out.

BJD leader Rabi Narayan Nanda said the UPA government and the NDA government have unilaterally supported the Andhra Pradesh government and repeatedly ignored the interest of Odisha. “We want that the Polavaram project must be stopped”, he demanded.