N Chandrababu Naidu’s dream project of developing Amravati as the new capital of Andhra Pradesh may face a new challenge. According to Zee News, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday has decided to hear a PIL challenging environmental clearance given to Amravati. The NGT has fixed 4 April as the date to hear the PIL.
The petition was filed by social activist and former IAS officer EAS Sharma in NGT. The petition seeks the cancellation of environmental clearance given by Andhra Pradesh State Environmental Impact Assembly Authority.
Sharma, who has been opposing the establishment of the new capital city Amaravati of the divided Andhra Pradesh state challenged setting up of the capital in the area of 2,17,234 sq km covering 23 villages in Thulluru, Tadepalli and Mangalagiri mandals in Guntur District.
The Union of India, Capital Region Development Authority, State Environmental Impact Assembly Authority and AP Pollution Control Board are named as respondents in the petition.
The petitioner claims that the capital was being developed in an ecologically sensitive area.
He also added that the decision is against the guidelines of the NGT and the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
Also read: Five Facts about Andhra Pradesh’s New Capital City, Amaravati
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)