Telangana High Court suspends NGT order on Uma Maheshwaram Lift Irrigation Project

The Telangana High Court suspended an NGT order halting the Uma Maheshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, observing that the directive was passed without hearing the State, and issued notices to all parties while granting interim relief

Hyderabad: Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin of the Telangana High Court on Tuesday suspended an order passed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in relation to the Uma Maheshwaram Lift Irrigation Project in Nagarkurnool district.

The interim order came in a writ petition filed by the State government, represented by Irrigation and Command Area Development (CAD) Department, questioning the NGT’s direction restraining the authorities from proceeding with the project.

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The NGT had earlier taken up a plea filed by Anantha Seetharam Reddy and another farmer from Palamuru village, who alleged that the project was being executed without obtaining mandatory environmental, forest and wildlife clearances. Acting on the plea, the Tribunal had passed an ex parte order directing the State not to continue with the works. At the same time, it observed that the project could not be undertaken without securing the requisite statutory clearances. Appearing for the State, Advocate General A. Sudershan Reddy contended that the Tribunal’s order was passed without issuing notice to the affected parties, including the State Government, and therefore violated principles of natural justice.

Taking note of the submissions, the Division Bench suspended the operation of the NGT’s order and directed issuance of notices to all concerned parties. Additional Solicitor General A. Narasimha Sharma accepted notice on behalf of the National Tiger Conservation Authority.