Forest Clearance, Compensation Irregularities Under Scanner
16 May 2025 10:43 PM IST16 May 2025 10:43 PM IST
Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu inspects canal works in Chittoor, exposes environmental and land acquisition violations under the previous administration.
Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu (Image:DC)
Nellore: Explosive revelations of environmental clearance violations and land acquisition irregularities have come to light during a review of key irrigation projects in Chittoor and Annamayya districts. Water resources minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, on a visit to inspect the Handri-Neeva canal lining works on Friday, came down hard on lapses by the previous administration, particularly targeting the conduct of the former forest minister.
Despite holding the forest portfolio, the then-minister allegedly went ahead with large-scale project works without obtaining mandatory environmental clearances. “The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed Rs 100 crore penalty for these violations, of which only `25 crore was paid — and that too with government funds,” Ramanaidu disclosed.
“Not a single rupee came from those personally responsible,” he said.
Equally concerning are the land acquisition violations, where displaced families were reportedly evicted without compensation. “Forget fair rehabilitation — compensation wasn't even deposited in court, yet lands were forcibly taken,” the minister said, calling it a blatant abuse of administrative power.
The minister’s remarks follow ongoing vigilance investigations into the Avulapalli and Nethiguntapalli reservoir projects, where serious discrepancies in execution and fund allocation have been reported. “Each irregularity is now surfacing, and based on the vigilance reports, we will not hesitate to take strict legal action,” Ramanaidu affirmed.
Framing the issue as part of a larger pattern of mismanagement under the previous government, the minister assured the public that his administration is committed to transparency, environmental accountability, and justice for affected communities.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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