The National Green Tribunal, which reserved its verdict in Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme (RLIS), has given a shock to the Andhra Pradesh government.
The NGT on Friday delivered its verdict and clarified that construction of the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme should not be undertaken without central environmental clearances.
NGT has set up an expert committee to study the structure of the project. The committee was ordered to submit a report within four months. The Tribunal stated that contempt of court proceedings against the Chief Secretory was not necessary. It clarified that the AP government would be held responsible if the construction was undertaken in violation of the regulations.
The entire case has been in the court ever since a social activist from Narayanpet alleged that the works taken up by the Andhra Pradesh government at the RLIS site were in contempt of the court.