The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday dismissed a petition challenging the Musi Rejuvenation and Riverfront Development Project, a flagship scheme of the Telangana government, on the grounds that the petition lacks sufficient grounds to intervene at this stage, people familiar with the matter said.
“With the court’s decision, the state government is now free to go ahead with the planned phases of the Mosi Rejuvenation Project,” the official said.
Hearing the petition filed by Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Patlola Kartik Reddy in March, the NGT Southern Bench rejected the petition at the admission stage itself on the grounds that the issues raised by Reddy did not warrant any intervention at this stage, as they fell within the scope of the ongoing environmental assessment processes.
The court said that all the concerns raised by the petitioner have already been addressed within the terms of reference issued by the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority, including the methodology and objectives required to conduct an environmental impact assessment of the project.
In his petition, the BRS leader alleged that the state government had initiated construction activities of the Gandhi Sarovar Project, which forms part of the first phase of the Mosi Rejuvenation Project, without obtaining a valid environmental clearance.
He urged the court to halt the ongoing work and impose sanctions on the authorities for the alleged violations.
While appearing on behalf of the Telangana government, Additional Solicitor General Tera Rajinikanth Reddy informed the bench that the process of obtaining environmental clearance is already underway. He explained that all current activities are being implemented strictly while adhering to the terms of reference.
He said the petition was premature and politically motivated, alleging that repeated legal challenges had been used as a platform to oppose the project. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court concluded that the issues raised did not require intervention at this stage.
The Musi Rejuvenation and Riverfront Development Project aims to comprehensively transform Hyderabad’s main waterway and the city’s surrounding landscape. Key components of the project include establishing advanced sewage treatment and waste management systems, enhancing the carrying capacity of the river to mitigate urban flooding, creating parks, gardens and cycling paths to improve public spaces and tourism and developing modern amenities along the river corridor.
