File picture of BJD MLAs protesting against Polavaram project in Bhubaneswa

Bhubaneswar, July 15: The government today agreed to constitute a House committee of the Assembly to study issues relating to the Polavaram irrigation project.

Responding to the demand of various members, BJD chief whip Ananta Das said a committee under the chairmanship of the Speaker would visit the site and study various issues.

“If the committee feels it necessary, the matter will be discussed in the House,” he said.

Leader of the Opposition Narasingha Mishra pointed out that the state government was not aware of many facts pertaining to the project such as the area estimated to be submerged and the height of the proposed dam.

“Every time there is a question on the issue, the government says that the facts are being collected,” said Mishra, who also urged the government to place a white paper on the project.

“Let there be a discussion in the House and an unanimous resolution be passed. We will support it in the interest of the state. But don’t play to the gallery,” he told the government.

BJP leader K.V. Singh Deo said that his party would support a resolution against Polavaram project in state’s interest. “But, a white paper needs to be placed in the House,” he said.

The ruling party should take other parties into confidence and should not create an impression that they alone are concerned about the state’s interest, Singh Deo said.

BJD MLAs and ministers yesterday marched to Raj Bhavan violating prohibitions imposed around the Assembly and Governor House.

“Instead of arresting them for breaking the law, the police accompanied them. The law-makers became law-breakers yesterdsay,” said Singh Deo.

The BJD MLAs had stalled Assembly proceedings yesterday and presented a memorandum to the governor urging the Centre to have a re-look at the project to avoid submergence of large areas in Malkangiri district.

Today, BJD member Amar Prasad Satpathy said that despite Odisha’s protest, Parliament has passed the bill relating to Polavaram project. The proposal for according a national project status to Polavaram was also pending with the Centre.

“The project, if pushed through, will create inter-state water dispute as large areas of Odisha will be inundated,” said Satpathy.