High Court Takes The Right Step To Save Rushikonda

A day after the AP High Court made serious comments on the AP government and Centre on Rushikonda excavations, a new committee was appointed. Previously the appointed committee had members from the AP government. Finding fault with the committee, the High Court directed the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to appoint a committee.

The High Court directed the MoEFC and committee to inspect the Rushikonda spot and verify the illegal excavations and also examine all the permits given for the excavations by January 31st and submit a detailed report. The top court also suggested that the committee members should be from the central government agencies and ordered for removal of all the officials from the state government’s side.

TDP MLA Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu and Jana Sena have filed petitions in the High Court in alleged illegal excavations and constructions at Rushikonda. Based on this petition, the High Court directed the AP government and Centre to form a committee to verify the illegal excavations. The petitioners objected to the committee members being from the state government’s side and the High Court acknowledged the petitioners’ argument.

When the High Court asked the Centre to file an affidavit on it, the court faulted the committee members’ affiliation. After arguments, the High Court added that it would appoint a new committee if the AP government and Centre do not comply.