In a big relief to Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday gave the approval for the construction of Amaravati, his dream capital on the banks of Krishna river.
However, the verdict is not without any pre-conditions. It said the Naidu government should take all precautions to see that adequate constructions are made to divert the flow of water from Kondaveeti vagu and prevent the capital region from being flooded with Krishna river waters.
The NGT heard several petitions filed by the environmentalists in 2015 against construction of the capital on the banks of Krishna river and in lush green fields. They also challenged the clearances given by the environment ministry with 192 conditions.
After hearing the arguments for over 22 months and examining 10,000 pages of documents in favour of and against, the NGT gave the nod to the capital finally.
The NGT directed the government to set up implementation committee and supervisory committee. The supervisory committee would constantly check if the NGT guidelines are adhered to.
