Ensure no water channel is affected due to road works, officials told

The petitioner-Venkatesh Coke and Power Limited-represented by its Joint Managing Director Ravi Agarawal, contended that he was granted formal approval by the Special Economic Zones for the development of Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) under the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005.

The government had also recommended the said project, and the District Collector-in the proceedings dated February 24, 2017-had observed that none of the water catchment area and water channels must be affected while developing the said project and that a ‘No Objection Certificate’ must be obtained from the Public Works Department (PWD).

However, notwithstanding this, NDR Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., was laying a road illegally in its land and on the designated water channels. Since a representation to the District Collector, the Tahsildar, the Revenue Divisional Officer, the District Revenue officer and PWD with regard this had failed to evoke any response, the court was approached, the plea said.

However, the bench comprising Justice S Vaidyanathan and Justice Subramonium Prasad on accounting for the submission made by the Additional Government Pleader that necessary action will be taken on the petitioner’s representation, directed the said authorities to consider the petitioner’s representation after hearing Infrastructure Pvt Ltd and other persons who are likely to be affected and pass orders on merits and in accordance with the law within eight weeks.

The bench also made it clear that it is the duty of the District Collector and other district authorities to see that no water channel is affected.