Abhijit Roy Chowdhury
NEW DELHI: Due to serious differences between the ministry’s senior official and Minister the Brutanga irrigation project is in fix.
According the source the senior most official in the department is putting spanner on the project and not following the instructions of Minister.
Interestingly, Mr Jairm Ramesh who is at war with the state government on Vedanta and Posco project is keen to push Brutanga project.
There was rumor recently that stage –I clearance granted for diversion of forest land for Brutanga irrigation project in Nayagarh district has been withdrawn but the Minister had scotch all rumors and categorically told the media about the decision.
Mr Jairam Ramesh had reportedly said that “some wild life experts have suggested that Tiger and Elephant reserve in the ‘Satkosha”Tiger Reserve will be affected”.
The matter was discussed at the Forest Advisory Committee meeting and the members had observed that tiger and elephant reserve will be greatly damaged, said MoEF.
A technical expert team will be dispatched soon to study the impact but irrigation project will not be affected.
The most categorical assertion of the Minister that “ I ‘am taking full responsibility and not going back on my commitment”.
MoEF also outlined the importance of irrigation project and maintained that irrigation is the key for the state’s prosperity.
Also informed that “I will find my way to resolve any issue”said Jairam. The ministry had granted clearance for diversion of forest land for 1524.14 ha of forest land on Sep 6.