Navy’s ELF radar station: Telangana HC asks Centre, state to submit report on environmental protection

Hyderabad: Telangana High Court has directed the Centre and the state government to submit detailed reports on environmental protection measures and statutory compliance related to the Indian Navy’s Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) radar station project at Damagundam in Vikarabad district.

The court also sought particulars of compensatory afforestation undertaken to offset the diversion of forest land and adjourned further hearing in the matter to January.

Challenge to forest land allotment

The directions were issued while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2020 by the Damagundam Forest Protection JAC, challenging the State government’s decision to allot 2,900 acres of forest land for the radar installation.

A division bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin heard the matter.

Amicus raises environmental concerns

Amicus curiae and senior advocate Vivek Jain submitted that greater clarity was required on the report of an expert committee constituted as part of environmental safeguards.

He pointed out that the Centre had remained silent on the mandatory condition of developing forest land in a 1:2 ratio as compensatory afforestation.

He also reminded the court that while forest land had been allotted for the project, it was subject to a strict condition that local flora and fauna should not be disturbed.

Centre, State respond

Appearing for the Centre, counsel informed the Bench that a counter-affidavit had already been filed in connection with the radar project. He added that the Centre would submit its explanation based on an internal report prepared by the Naval Commander in a sealed cover.

The State government’s counsel stated that a special committee had been constituted in accordance with biodiversity conservation norms. The committee is to function under the leadership of the village sarpanch; however, as the term of the existing local body had expired, a new committee would be formed soon under the newly elected sarpanch.

Matter Adjourned

After hearing submissions from all sides, the Bench directed the Centre and the State to submit comprehensive reports on environmental compliance and protection measures, and adjourned the matter to January 20 for further consideration.