The Andhra Pradesh government on Monday incurred the wrath of the National Green Tribunal over the ongoing construction of Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme (RLIS) over Krishna river in the backwaters of Srisailam reservoir.
Responding to a petition filed by the Telangana government complaining against the ongoing works on RLIS, the NGT wondered whether the Central government was hand in glove with the Andhra Pradesh government over the project.
The NGT closely examined the photographs and videos submitted by the Telangana government on the ongoing works on RLIS. The tribunal wondered why the AP government had defied its earlier orders and not stopped the on the project.
“How can the state government continue the works despite obtaining environmental clearance from the Union ministry of environment and forests? It appears the Centre has colluded with the AP government in allowing the works to continue,” the tribunal observed.
The NGT warned of serious action against the officials for the contempt of court for violating its earlier orders.
“So far, we have not taken any action. But now, it appears we will have to explore such an option. We shall examine the option of issuing contempt of court orders through the state high court,” it said.
The Krishna River Management Board authorities submitted a report to the NGT stating that they had conducted a field visit of the Rayalaseema lift scheme and observed that no works were going on when they visited the spot, but the construction material and equipment were found there.
The NGT also expressed dissatisfaction over the delay on the part of the Centre in filing its affidavit in the Rayalaseema lift scheme case.
“We shall issue orders on August 27 on the action to be taken against the AP government in this regard,” the tribunal said.