New Delhi: The Environment Ministry has
given its nod to divert over 3,000 hectares of forest land for
the construction of mega Polavaram dam in Andhra Pradesh but
made it clear that no submergence of land would be allowed in
adjacent Orissa and Chhatisgarh.
"The approval for diversion of 3,731 hectares of
forestland is based on the clear understanding that the state
government will take all steps to ensure that no submergence
of forest land on account of the proposed dam, also known as
Indira Sagar Multi-purpose project would take place in Orissa
and Chhattisgarh.
"Further, it (clearance) is also based on the assurance
of the state government that there are no forest rights that
need to be settled under the Tribals Act and that the approved
rehabilitation would be implemented in a time-bound and
transparent manner," a statement issued by the Ministry said
today.
It also said the ministry would carry out strict
monitoring of all conditions under which the Polavaram project
on Godavari river is being cleared.
The proposal got the green signal after the Andhra
Pradesh government submitted a compliance report last year
followed by a final report last month as per satisfaction of
the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of the Environment
Ministry.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 22:54