The Polavaram Irrigation Project (PIP) is set to submerge 648.05 hectares of land, including 102.16 hectares of forest land, in Odisha’s Malkangiri district, affecting 1,002 families, Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary informed the Rajya Sabha.

• Affected Areas: Eight revenue villages in Malkangiri district will face submergence unless protective embankments with drainage above +150 ft are built.
• Compensation Options: Odisha can choose either protective measures or seek rehabilitation and resettlement compensation for the displaced families.
• Project Details: The Polavaram project, implemented under the Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal Award (1980), includes a 30.20 km protective embankment plan in Odisha (12 km along Sileru River, 18.20 km along Sabari River).
• Centre’s Efforts: The government has held meetings with Odisha and other stakeholders to address submergence concerns and ensure compliance with Supreme Court directives.

The Centre’s admission has intensified calls for protective steps or compensation to minimize environmental damage and displacement in Odisha.