NGT refuses to stay Telangana’s ‘Future City’; issues notices on environmental compliance
The petitioner further alleged that the FCDA had already begun calling for tenders without securing environmental permissions, and urged the tribunal to halt all ongoing activities through interim orders.
By Newsmeter Network
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Hyderabad: National Green Tribunal’s (NGT’s) Chennai bench has declined to grant an interim stay on the state government’s ‘Future City’ project.
However, it issued notices to the Centre and the Future City Development Authority (FCDA), seeking detailed responses on environmental compliance.
Petition challenges environmental clearances
The case was brought before the tribunal by social activist D. Narasimha Reddy, who alleged that the government had initiated the ‘Future City’ project, also referred to as the ‘Fourth City’, without obtaining mandatory environmental clearances.
Appearing for the petitioner, counsel argued that the project spans nearly 30,000 acres between the Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar highways, and is planned as a major hub for residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational activities.
He contended that, as per central environmental regulations, no such development can proceed without prior approvals.
The petitioner further alleged that the FCDA had already begun calling for tenders without securing environmental permissions, and urged the tribunal to halt all ongoing activities through interim orders.
Government Assures Compliance
Representing the FCDA, Additional Advocate General Tera Rajanikanth Reddy submitted that the petition was premature, stating that the project is still in its initial stages and no actual development work has commenced.
He assured the tribunal that all necessary environmental clearances would be obtained at the appropriate stage, in accordance with legal requirements. The government also argued that the petition was aimed at obstructing developmental activity.
Tribunal declines interim relief
After hearing both sides, the bench, comprising Judicial Member Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Expert Member Dr. Satyagopal Korlapati, observed that, in light of the government’s assurance, there was no immediate need to issue interim orders halting the project.
The tribunal directed the Ministry of Environment and the FCDA to file detailed counter-affidavits addressing the concerns raised in the petition.
Next hearing on June 9
The NGT has adjourned the matter to June 9 for further hearing, when it will examine the responses submitted by the concerned authorities.
