As the project does not have Environmental clearances and the Irrigation Department has not given clearances
KARIMNAGAR, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024: The National Green Tribunal, Southern Region, Chennai, has stated that no further work should be proceeded with on the Manair River Front works in Karimnagar without further orders from this tribunal.
In a case filed by Rythu Ikya President M Venkat Reddy and others against the execution of Manair River Front, NGT Judge Justice Pushpa Satyanarayana said that as per the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation, there was no progress of any work since June 2023.
Quoting the report of the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC), wherein it is stated that the Manair River Front Master Plan is proposed in four zones and the TSTDC has allotted Rs.100 Crores budget to develop an entrance plaza and musical foundation with a viewing gallery, the NGT stated that it is proposed to have a formation road from Ramagundam – Hyderabad bypass road to the bund, landscaping, illumination and pathways. So far filling the wet homogenous earth for the formation of the road is completed in an extent of 2.59 Acres, costing Rs.4 Crores.
However, the work was stopped in June 2023. The view gallery for the musical foundation is proposed with a capacity of 800 Pax on the bund at 3.15 Km chainage from the Lower Maniar Dam in 1.15 Acres. The work is yet to commence, as the Irrigation Department has not permitted to take up the work. The musical foundation with a basement area of 0.07 Acres is proposed for the river at 3.15 km chainage from the dam with a budget of Rs.60 crores. As of now, the foundation footing work has been started and the work has been stopped since June 2023 due to the non-finalization of designs and drawings duly proof-checked by the Government institutions.
However, the report does not state whether the said project requires Environmental Clearance or not. It appears that the Irrigation Department would be a necessary party, as the sanction from the said department is vital if the work is to continue. Hence, the Irrigation Department is Suo Motu impleaded as Respondent No.6 to this proceeding, the NGT stated.
Let notice be issued to the newly added 6th Respondent through the Tribunal. The MoEF&CC is yet to file their report, though the inspection was done as early as on 17.05.2024. Let the report specifically state whether the project requires Environmental Clearance and falls in which category of the EIA Notification, 2006. As the TSTDC has stated no work is in progress from June 2023, the same is recorded and no further work should be proceeded with, without further orders from this Tribunal. The NGT posted the case to December 2, 2024.
