Palamur-RR lift violates environ clearances, NGT told

Kurnool: Contending that the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PR LIS) clearly violates environmental clearances that require the state to build reservoirs for irrigation purposes, farmers from Andhra Pradesh, urged the National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench to halt the construction forthwith.

The NGT bench heard the pleas of the state government and farmers of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday. The petitioners sought an order to stay further construction of the project’s irrigation phase. Telangana raised an objection with regard to the limitation aspect, pointing out that the case had to be filed within six months. They said it was a fraud on the court that is being played by Telangana.

Advocate-General S. Sri Ram said that once there was a case of fraud, limitation fails to apply. He pointed out that this was a recurring cause of action and Telangana was proceeding further after having admitted that six reservoirs were already built.

The report of the joint committee clearly shows that there are violations of environmental laws. The terms of reference granted by the Centre on October 11, 2017 permits only pre-construction activities of the programme.

The Tribunal, while pronouncing that it would pass orders in the interim application filed in the OA seeking a stay of further construction, adjourned the matter to October 29.