Panel flags unauthorised works by Andhra Pradesh government on Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme

MoEF's Expert Appraisal Committee recommends that AP govt restore site to pre-construction condition before applying for environmental clearance

Hyderabad: The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Ministry of Environment and Forests has flagged the works being carried out as part of the unauthorised construction of the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme (RLIS) in Andhra Pradesh.

During the 25th virtual meeting held on February 27, the EAC which deliberated on the project, made unanimous recommendations emphasising the need for the AP government to restore the RLIS site to its pre-construction condition before proceeding with the application for Environmental Clearance (EC).

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The EAC further mandated that the project proponent must submit an affidavit confirming that no construction work has been carried out beyond the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). This measure was aimed at ensuring transparency and compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification issued for the project. This directive seeks to establish transparency and accountability in the project’s implementation, it said.

The unanimous recommendations made by the EAC are seen as a response to concerns voiced in different quarters over the potential violations of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification for the project. The RLIS is designed to lift and utilise 3 TMC of water per day from the Srisailam Reservoir on the Krishna river at a cost of Rs 6828 crore as estimated initially. This water will be diverted beyond the Krishna basin to meet the irrigation and drinking water needs across the Rayalaseema region, benefiting its arid districts.

Despite Telangana raising serious concerns for the last five years, a significant portion of works were already implemented by the Andhra Pradesh government. Andhra Pradesh has been unmindful of the inter-State issues involved. Pending environmental clearance, it could execute the works in a haste.

The Expert Appraisal Committee also wanted a comprehensive report addressed to the Ministry of Environment and Forests to be enclosed in the affidavit. The report must highlight the action taken for site restoration with the support of photographic evidence along with a timeline of the activity, it said.

Now, adhering to these directions of the EAC will be mandatory on the part of the Andhra Pradesh government to gain the necessary approvals and move forward with the project. These recommendations made by the EAC are seen as a vital precedent, putting brakes on States implementing large-scale irrigation projects sans environmental clearance.