VIJAYAWADA: The verdict of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) allowing the State government to go ahead with its ambitious project of Amaravati capital city came as a breather for the government. But, some of the conditions mentioned by NGT may restrict the government from taking a unilateral approach in development of the capital city as it should simultaneously take care of environmental protection and river conservation. However, Rajendra Singh, the Waterman of India, says that the government will always look for favourable points from the judgement and ignore the directions that will harm its interests. Excerpts.
How do you view the NGT judgement?
I feel the judgement is ambiguous in nature. This judgement is not anti-flood, anti-river and neither anti-development. It’s like a bridge between river conservation and development. All I can say is that the judgement will be used only for development and not for conservation or restoration of river.
Do you think the government will violate the NGT order and go ahead with its plan?
I don’t think the judgement will be implemented in the real sense. There are several instances where governments have taken only those issues into consideration which favours them and not the directions given by the Courts. Here also, I think the Andhra Pradesh government will go ahead with construction of capital city by violating the conditions laid down by NGT.
The NGT also directed the government to appoint two committees to ensure that the government is following its verdict in true spirit. How do you see this?
The government will always prefer to go by their own rules. In this case too, there is scope for the government to appoint committees by taking officers of their choice. Will there be any use of these committees then? It is better if the NGT appoints these committees independently and judiciously.
What did you infer from the judgement ?
I have a mixed feeling. I respect the judicial system of India but the system is not taking a proper judgement is what I feel.
Will you give any suggestions to the State government over construction of capital city?
The government should take into consideration the future of the capital and follow the directions of NGT instead of making the capital city a concrete jungle.