Odisha Sun Times Bureau:
New Delhi, Dec 17:

A delegation of MPs from Odisha’s ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and discussed various issues concerning the state.

Narendra Modi, PM Narendra Modi, PM

The parliamentarians drew the attention of prime minister towards the drought situation prevailing in the state, construction of Polavaram dam and conferring Bharat Ratna on late Biju Patnaik.

“The state government has sought Rs 2200 crore towards drought assistance from Centre. Besides, we have sought to extend the agriculture refinance limit by Rs 1300 crore. We also told him that we need a long-term solution for drought situation which has affected Nuapada, Bolangir, parts of Sundargarh and Kalahandi,” BJD MP Kalikesh Singhdeo said.

The MPs expressed their concern over the construction of Polavaram dam over river Godavari which would inundate several villages in Malkangiri.

“The Union government had put restrictions on construction work at Polavaram dam project site which ended in June this year. We urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reimpose the restrictions. The matter is subjudice and has not been decided yet. Instead of constructing the dam, three small barrages can be constructed. If this suggestion is accepted then no village in Odisha will be submerged. Prime Minister assured that a reconciliation meeting would be convened with CWC and the to-be affected states to sort out the matter,” BJD MP Balabhadra Majhi said.

The members of the delegation also urged the Prime Minister to confer Bharat Ratna on legendary leader Biju Patnaik.

It may be mentioned that the Odisha Assembly yesterday adopted a resolution seeking "Bharat Ratna" for freedom fighter and former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.

The government chief whip Ananta Das had, on Tuesday, moved a motion on the 'Role of Legendary Biju Patnaik during freedom struggle and nation building after Independence'.