MP accuses Centre of misleading apex court

Madhya Pradesh, where the BJP is in power, has accused the Centre of misleading the Supreme Court by furnishing incorrect information on canal work for Indira Sagar and Omkareshwar projects.

Madhya Pradesh, where the BJP is in power, has accused the Centre of misleading the Supreme Court by furnishing incorrect information on canal work for Indira Sagar and Omkareshwar projects.

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The ministry of environment had said in an affidavit that the projects couldn’t be allowed as the command area development plan, a pre-condition for the projects, had not been submitted.

The Indira Sagar and Omkareshwar projects were given “conditional clearances” in June 1987 and October 1993.

The affidavit was incorrect and filed to mislead the court, T.R. Andhyarujina, appearing for the state told the SC. The plan was submitted in 1994.

Madhya Pradesh has challenged a HC order restraining it from acquiring more land and carrying out work.

Petitioner Medha Patkar, who leads the Narmada Bachao Andolan, said they weren’t against any project but were concerned about rehabilitation of the affected. She said Indira Sagar project would irrigate 1.23 lakh hectares but would submerge 92,000 hectares.

The SC asked the Centre to let it know the right stage to study submergence in such projects.