Uttam for focused approach to secure green nod for four irrigation projects

Hyderabad: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Monday ordered a time-bound and focused approach to secure the environmental clearances pending for four major irrigation projects--Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, Sitarama Sagar, Dindi and Gouravelli--in the wake of the recent Supreme Court judgment laying down clear guidelines on environmental-clearance procedures.

Chairing a high-level review meeting, Uttam Kumar Reddy said the judgment had provided ample clarity on the legal position concerning projects with valid environmental clearances, pending applications, rejected proposals and applications seeking post-facto approval. He directed officials to use the opportunity to pursue every eligible case expeditiously with the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and other statutory authorities.

Quoting the Supreme Court judgment, the minister said that the projects possessing valid environmental clearances accorded previously would continue to remain protected, while pending applications could be processed in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions.

Proposals rejected earlier should be examined project-wise and resubmitted, wherever legally permissible, after rectifying technical and procedural deficiencies. He made it clear that the Supreme Court judgment, which will have far-reaching implications for environmental clearances of projects across India, was delivered following Telangana’s sustained legal efforts to secure clearances for its irrigation projects.

Uttam instructed the department to strengthen its Inter-State Wing and equip it with adequate technical, environmental and legal expertise to pursue clearances and protect Telangana’s interests before the Union Government, the National Green Tribunal, the Supreme Court and other judicial and statutory forums.

The minister laid down a phased roadmap for processing the clearances. Nodal officers must be designated and all available records consolidated within seven days. Updated environmental studies, compliance reports, land records and legal documents should be completed within 30 days, while the principal administrative and application-processing stages should be concluded within 60 days.

Reviewing the Gouravelli Project, Uttam Kumar Reddy directed engineers to take immediate steps to keep the pump house in a fully operational condition. The officials concerned were told to begin inspections, testing, repairs and the prescribed standard operating procedures well before they were put to use.

The meeting also reviewed the potential impact of Polavaram backwaters on areas within Telangana. He directed officials to take pre-emptive measures and conduct a scientific assessment to determine the extent of possible submergence of land, habitations, public infrastructure and other assets.