The Hindu : Front Page : State to move Apex court on Babli issue

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 05, 2006

Front Page

Front Page

State to move Apex court on Babli issue

Staff Reporter

NELLORE: As the Maharashtra Government is continuing work pertaining to the Babli irrigation project, the State Government will seek legal recourse soon, Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy has said.

In fact, the Central Water Commission (CWC) had directed the neighbouring State not to take up any construction activity till the differences related to the project were resolved, Dr. Reddy told presspersons here on Sunday. Moreover, the CWC had also directed the Maharashtra Government to maintain status quo till August.

Despite all this, the neighbouring State had not stopped work on the project. Against this backdrop, the Government would approach the Supreme Court besides taking the matter to the notice of the party high command.

Correspondent in Mahabubnagar adds: Taking a similar line on the ticklish issue, Major Irrigation Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah said the Government would approach the Supreme Court to stall the construction of the Babli project.

The Government would give utmost priority to the State interests with regard to river waters. It had already taken steps to secure legal advice on the project. It was taking measures to introduce a comprehensive water policy which was put in cold storage by the TDP Government.

He was speaking to reporters at Mallayapalli in Panagal mandal after performing `bhoomi pooja' for the Bheema Lift II Scheme taken up at an estimated cost of Rs. 176.52 crores. It will irrigate 49,000 acres.

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