Jairam Ramesh cracks whip on Andhra dam

Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has slapped a notice on Andhra Pradesh government for starting construction of Polavaram dam on Godavari river without holding public hearing in its two neighbouring states-Orissa and Chhattisgarh states.

According to reports on Tuesday, Ramesh?s ministry has asked AP government to explain in 10 days why the clearance for the Rs 11,000 crore-dam should not be withdrawn now that it has violated of the pre-set conditions.

?The Andhra government started construction work without holding public hearings Orissa and Chhattisgarh, which will be affected by the dam. This infuriated the Union Environment Ministry,? said local media.

The Polavaram dam will be southern India’s biggest dam. It will provide irrigation to one-fourth of Andra Pradesh. The dam will solve drinking water problem of over 25 lakh people across four districts.