Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar project: Telangana withdraws SC writ against AP govt, plans civil suit
The matter came up for hearing on Monday, during which senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi appeared for Telangana and presented detailed arguments.
By - Newsmeter Network
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New Delhi: The Telangana State government on Monday withdrew its writ petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Polavaram and Nallamala Sagar projects.
The withdrawal followed observations by the Chief Justice of India that the dispute may be more appropriately pursued under Article 131 of the Constitution through a civil suit between States.
SC advises on filing a civil suit
The matter came up for hearing on Monday, during which senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi appeared for Telangana and presented detailed arguments.
After hearing the submissions, the Chief Justice advised the State to re-approach the court by way of a civil suit, prompting the withdrawal of the writ petition.
Will consider re-filing the petition, says Uttam Kumar
Speaking to the media after the hearing, Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy said the petition was withdrawn in deference to the court’s suggestion. He clarified that Telangana would consider re-filing the matter in the appropriate legal form as indicated by the court.
What are Telangana’s objections to AP water projects?
The Minister said Telangana had approached the Supreme Court objecting to the construction activities proposed by the Andhra Pradesh government. He noted that hearings were held earlier as well, including one last Monday, and additional arguments were placed before the court on Monday.
A key contention raised by Telangana was that Andhra Pradesh should not utilise water beyond its allocated share.
While Andhra Pradesh has an allocation of 484.5 TMC, Telangana has made repeated attempts to draw more than the permitted quantity.
Alleged violations
According to Uttam Kumar Reddy, Telangana informed the court that:
- Stop-work orders were not being implemented.
- Construction was proceeding without approvals from the Godavari and Krishna River Management Boards and the Apex Council.
- Any activity beyond the originally approved design was impermissible.
- No modifications or expansions beyond the original framework of the Polavaram project were legally allowed.
What comes next?
With the writ petition withdrawn, Telangana is expected to consider initiating proceedings under Article 131, as suggested by the Supreme Court, to pursue its inter-State dispute with Andhra Pradesh through a civil suit.
