Expert panel rejects AP's ToR request for Polavaram–Banakacherla project
Vijayawada: In a setback to the AP govt, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of Union environment, forest and climate change ministry has turned down the state govt's request for grant of Terms of References (ToR) for taking up environmental impact assessment (EIA) study for Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP).
The committee recommended that the state govt should comprehensively assess the availability of floodwaters in consultation with the Central Water Commission (CWC). The EAC has also noted that several representations have been received via email, alleging that the proposed scheme may be in violation of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal Award, 1980.
"In view of the contentious issues involved in the proposal, it is imperative that the project proponent (AP govt) should approach Central Water Commission (CWC) for examining the inter-state issues and granting necessary clearance/permission before submitting the proposal for framing the Terms of Reference (TOR) for conducting environmental impact assessment (EIA) study.
The EAC has decided to return the proposal to the state govt without giving any approval for ToR.
The committee on Monday communicated that it deliberated proposal submitted by the AP bwater resources department before taking the decision return the proposal.
EAC said AP submitted a proposal for grant of TOR for conducting EIA/EMP and public hearing for PBLP which was expected to be executed in East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Krishna, NTR, Palnadu, Prakasam, Nandyala. The project falls under category A of item 1(c), 'River Valley Projects,' as per the Schedule of the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 and requires appraisal at the central level by the sectoral EAC in the ministry.
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