NGT stays Kaleshwaram construction

HYDERABAD: In a setback to the Telangana government, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench in Delhi on Thursday stayed all the ongoing construction works of Kaleshwaram irrigation project until all statutory clearances required for it were obtained. The state government, however, said it is a temporary hurdle and they would approach the Supreme Court challenging the NGT’s directive.The two-member bench comprising Justice Jawad Rahim, judicial member, and Ranjan Chatterjee, expert member, passed this interim order on a plea by a petitioner Hayathuddin challenging the decision of Telangana government in constructing the project without environment and forest clearance.

Petitioner’s counsel Sanjay Upadhyay said the  construction activities were being carried out illegally. The works were taken up with absolute disregard to the National Wildlife Board clearances as well, he said. The counsel alleged that the state government has been hiding the fact that a crocodile nesting hub and a sanctuary were being submerged. The bench therefore directed to stop all works. Though the counsel for Telangana urged the bench to suspend implementation of stay orders for the next three days to facilitate obtaining clearances, the bench refused to consider the plea.