Expert committee inspecting constructions atop Rushikonda as per HC orders
The orders came in connection with a PIL alleging that excavations and constructions were undertaken without proper permissions from the authorities concerned.
- Andhra Pradesh
NewsTAP Bureau- Updated On:15 Dec 2023 9:48 AM GMT
VISAKHAPATNAM: An expert committee appointed by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has started inspection of constructions undertaken atop Rushikonda, as per the High Court orders.
The orders came in connection with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the High Court alleging that excavations and constructions were undertaken without proper permissions from the authorities concerned.
The central committee reached Visakhapatnam on Thursday and took up the inspections. It may be recalled that an expert committee appointed by the High Court had already submitted its report. Based on that report the High Court directed the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests to rectify any violation of the rules.
However, the petitioners brought fresh allegations before the court and the newly appointed committee had now reached Visakhapatnam and undertook inspection. The GVMC officials were providing the necessary arrangements and information for the committee's visit
A PIL was filed in the High Court stating that the constructions undertaken by the Tourism Department on Rushikonda were more than the permitted ones and the provisions of the Coastal Regulation were not being followed. The expert committee of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, appointed for the second time by MoEF, visited Rushikonda on Thursday to investigate the matter.
Committee members from the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCACCM), Public Works Department, Central Pollution Control Board, and MoEF regional office led by K Gaurappan reached Rushikonda and inspected the structures being constructed by the Tourism Department.
They went to each block and inquired about the construction details and saw the areas where the soil was dumped in the area excavated for construction. APTDC and GVMC officials provided all the details to the committee.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court ordered to setting up of a committee in 2022 to look into the allegations of violations of rules in Rushikonda. Following that joint examination, a five-member committee conducted a survey and submitted a report to the court.
