Telanganahas rejectedNational Green Tribunal(NGT)-appointed joint committee findings on the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS).
The joint committee, in its report, had recommended environmental compensation of Rs 3.7 crore to be paid to Central Pollution Control Board towards violation of environmental norms, for constructing the project without environmental clearance (EC). was also directed to adhere to solid Waste Management rules and obtain EC.
The committee opined that the drinking water was a minor component, whereas it was conceived as an irrigation scheme to lift 90 thousand million cubic feet (TMC ft) and the drinking water component was only 7.15 TMC.
PRLIS is originally conceived for dual purpose, including providing drinking water toMahabubnagar,Nagarkurnool, Narayanpet, Vikarabad, Nalgonda,Rangareddyand Hyderabad city and the proposed project also serves the supply of water to industries.
The Telangana government also stated that the irrigation part of the project would be taken up only after getting EC and it was at the state of public hearing and submission of proposal for EC.