52 AP projects need final clearances

Hyderabad, August 10: A Group of Ministers (GoM) led by environment and forest minister P Ramachandra Reddy will meet Union environment and forest minister Jairam Ramesh in New Delhi on Aug 11 to request him to expedite the environment clearances for various projects in the state.

Besides Ramachandra Reddy, three other members P Laxmaiah (major irrigation) DK Aruna (small scale industries) and D Sridharbabu (higher education) met here today and decided to meet the Union minister.

There two more members in the GoM – K Laxminarayana (Industries) and mines minister B Srinivasa Reddy did not attend the meeting today.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ramachandra Reddy said that about 26 irrigation projects, 24 power projects and two mining projects needed final clearances from the environment and forest ministry.

Of this only five projects were given all clearances, he said.

The minister said that the GoM would urge the Union minister to speed up the process so that the projects could be completed as per the schedule.

Ramachandra Reddy said several programmes like laying of roads, construction of power transmission lines, establishment of schools and other community based services were held up as the clearances were not granted. The minister said that Rs 1,508 crore was paid to the forest department for compensatory afforestation, but not put to use as clearances were pending.

So far only Rs 169 crore was spent and clearances to the eco tourism projects were also pending, he explained. Major irrigation minister Laxmaiah said that out of the 24 power projects 19 got primary clearances pending final clearances.

He said that nine irrigation projects also need clearances in addition to the 26 projects. The minister said that the GoM would seek a report on gas-based power projects so that the state could pursue the Centre.

According to sources, the Sompeta power project issue may figure in the meeting with the Union minister. The state would explain that the Centre’s decision to cancel the environmental clearances was a hasty one and needs a second look.

–Agencies