Date:20/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/20/stories/2005042012950400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Eco nod for Pulichintala

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: The Pulichintala project has finally got the nod from the Union Ministry of Environment facilitating the beginning of the work.

The clearance has been hanging fire since October 18 last despite the State Government's letter to the Centre seeking early clearance for the project. It was followed up by another one on February 16 this year.

The clearance became essential for the Government to go ahead following the conditions imposed by the High Court restraining it from taking up any work on the site without any of the sanctions. The Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, during his visit to New Delhi on April 6 brought the matter to the notice of the Prime Minister.

Following this, the Union Ministry accorded the sanction for the site clearance on April 15 for construction of reservoir to irrigate 13.08 lakh acres.