The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered a probe into alleged illegal expansion of a farmhouse by Telangana minister K T Rama Rao.
The NGT order was issued after it heard a petition filed by Congress lawmaker Anumula Revanth Reddy alleging that Rao expanded the farmhouse by “violating the environmental laws.”
The green court has asked the minister, the Telangana government, the state pollution control board and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation to reply to its notice by August 26. It also formed a committee which has been asked to inspect the area and submit a report in two months.
Reddy alleged illegal construction in the bio-conservations zone in the catchment area of Osman Sagar Lake.
Reddy also alleged that the minister’s act was likely to affect the water storage capacity of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar Lakes.
Rao, working president of the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), is the son of Telangana Chief Minister Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao.
The opposition Congress has demanded the minister’s resignation. Reddy said the minister should immediately step down in the interests of a free and fair inquiry.
K T Rama Rao
