The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday dismissed a petition challenging the Musi rejuvenation and riverfront development project, a flagship scheme of the Telangana government, on the ground that the petition lacks sufficient grounds for intervention at this stage, people familiar with the matter said.
“With the tribunal’s decision, the state government is now free to proceed with the planned phases of the Musi rejuvenation project,” the official said.
Hearing a petition filed by Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Patlola Kartik Reddy in March, the southern bench of NGT dismissed it at the admission stage itself on the ground that the issues raised by Reddy did not warrant any intervention at this stage, as they fell within the scope of ongoing environmental assessment processes.
The tribunal said all concerns raised by the petitioner were already addressed within the terms of reference (TOR) issued by the state environmental impact assessment authority, including methodology, and objectives required for conducting an environmental impact assessment of the project.
In his petition, the BRS leader alleged that the state government had initiated construction activities of Gandhi Sarovar project, which forms part of the first phase of the Musi rejuvenation project without obtaining valid environmental clearance.
He urged the tribunal to halt ongoing works and impose penalties on authorities for alleged violations.
{{/usCountry}}He urged the tribunal to halt ongoing works and impose penalties on authorities for alleged violations.
{{/usCountry}}Appearing for the Telangana government, additional advocate general Tera Rajinikanth Reddy informed the bench that the process for obtaining environmental clearance was already underway. He clarified that all current activities were being carried out strictly in compliance with the terms of reference.
He argued that the petition was premature and politically motivated, alleging that repeated legal challenges were being used as a platform to oppose the project. After hearing arguments from both sides, the tribunal concluded that the issues raised did not warrant intervention at this stage.
The Musi rejuvenation and riverfront development project aims to comprehensively transform Hyderabad’s primary waterway and surrounding urban landscape. Key components of the project include establishment of advanced sewage treatment and waste management systems, enhancing the river’s carrying capacity to mitigate urban flooding, creating promenades, parks, and cycling tracks to improve public spaces and tourism and development of modern amenities along the river corridor.