Telangana moves NGT against AP’s irrigation projects

Files contempt petition against the neighbouring State for going ahead with Rayalseema Lift Irrigation Scheme

Hyderabad: The Telangana State government, as part of its efforts to check a stubborn Andhra Pradesh from going ahead with illegal projects, filed a contempt petition in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday against the neighbouring government for continuing with the construction of Rayalseema Lift Irrigation Scheme (RLIS) despite the stay order issued by the Tribunal. The NGT stated that the issue was under its consideration and will be taken up for hearing on July 23.

An earlier petition filed by Gavinolla Srinivas was scheduled to come up for hearing before the NGT on Monday but was postponed to July 23. Under the circumstances, Additional Advocate General (AAG) Ramachandra Rao filed the contempt petition in the NGT on Monday on behalf of the Telangana government. The Telangana government pointed out that the officials of Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) and the Union Environmental Ministry were directed by the NGT to conduct a field visit to the RLIS construction site as per the NGT directives. Telangana contended that the AP government did not cooperate with the officials concerned who were instructed to inspect the construction site.

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The AAG, given the situation, appealed to the NGT itself to take up a field visit of the RLIS construction site. He also urged the Tribunal to conduct the hearing of the contempt petition of the Telangana government along with the petition filed by Gavinolla Srinivas against the AP government. The Tribunal said it was seized of the matter and will conduct the hearing on July 23 as per schedule.

Meanwhile, TRS working president and Industries Minister K T Rama Rao reiterated that TRS was the only party that will fight for the people of Telangana State without compromising on any issue including its rightful share in Krishna River water. He tore into the Opposition parties — BJP and Congress, for their double standards on the issue.

Addressing Congress leaders who joined TRS at Telangana Bhavan here, the TRS working president said for both Congress and BJP, Telangana was one of the 28 States in the country and it was not their priority. “They have no commitment towards the development of Telangana and its people. But for TRS, Telangana is the only priority. While the Opposition parties sing one tune in Telangana and another in AP, TRS will always fight for the interest of the State without any compromise,” he asserted.

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