Oustees submit memo to NGT

Three-member team visits Gouravelli reservoir

A three-member committee constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) visited Gouravelli reservoir on Wednesday and examined the issues that were brought to its notice. The members are P.S. Kautilya, member, Godavari River Management Board, M. Ramesh Kumar, Director, M&A, and Dr. E. Arockia Lenin, Scientist C. The visit continued from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during which they interacted with officials and representatives of oustees.

The oustees of Gouravelli had approached the NGT in July, 2021, seeking justice alleging that the project was being implemented without seeking required permissions and not offering Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) package to them. Responding to their complaint, the NGT had constituted the three-member committee and directed it to look into issues raised by the oustees.

The Gouravelli project was initially designed for 1.41 tmc ft but during redesign, the capacity was increased to 8.23 tmc ft. Gudatipally in Akkannapet mandal is one of the villages that would be submerged in the reservoir.