SC defers stay on Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link, asks panel report; hearing on Jan 12
A Bench led by Justice Surya Kant observed that the allegation that Andhra Pradesh was ‘ready to commit violations’ was premature at this stage.
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
File Photo
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday heard Telangana’s challenge to the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar Link Project and questioned the plea for immediate interim relief.
The Court also advised that the current expert committee be allowed to submit its report, while adjourning the matter to January 12.
‘Allegations of proposed violations premature’
A Bench led by Justice Surya Kant observed that the allegation that Andhra Pradesh was ‘ready to commit violations’ was premature at this stage.
Since a committee had already been appointed, the Court said its findings should be placed on record before seeking judicial intervention.
The Bench also queried whether the Supreme Court could grant a stay while intervening in a civil suit at this juncture and noted that national projects largely fall within the Centre’s domain.
The Court suggested mediation as an option to resolve the dispute.
Telangana seeks interim relief
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Telangana, pressed for interim relief, arguing that Andhra Pradesh’s claim of using only flood waters could not be accepted as water utilisation must strictly adhere to allocations.
He pointed out that Telangana is a newly formed State with several projects still under construction and said the Centre constituted the committee only after the petition was filed.
Andhra Pradesh says project planning cannot be opposed
Representing Andhra Pradesh, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi questioned the basis of Telangana’s objections, arguing that the preparation of a project report within one’s own territory cannot be opposed.
He maintained that the proposal was aimed at supplying water to drought-prone Rayalaseema and did not violate any existing orders or judgments. Another counsel, Jagdeep Gupta, contended that Telangana itself was undertaking several projects on the Godavari.
The Bench advised that objections of all riparian States should be duly considered and made it clear that the matter would be examined comprehensively at the next hearing.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the Supreme Court adjourned the case to January 12, stating that the next round of proceedings would continue after considering all viewpoints.
Uttam Kumar Reddy: Opposition at all forums
In Hyderabad, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said the State is opposing the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link at all forums. He clarified that a letter cited by Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader T Harish Rao had no connection with the government’s stand.
He said Telangana had written to the Godavari River Management Board stating that the project violated interstate rules, a view that the Board had endorsed.
He added that Maharashtra and Karnataka had also opposed the project and said the Supreme Court had advised Telangana to pursue the matter through a suit rather than a writ petition.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said he would personally attend the next hearing and seek a stay. He further alleged that decisions taken during the previous BRS regime on major irrigation projects had caused significant losses to Telangana.
