Polavaram Row: SC raps Centre, imposes Rs 25k fine

Insight Bureau:  The Supreme Court on Tuesday imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on Centre for failing to reply to previous notice on Odisha government’s plea in 2016.

The Apex Court sought a reply in two weeks and adds Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments as parties to the hearing in this case.

It is to be noted that the petition, filed by a NGO, sought a direction to the governments to protect rights of the Scheduled Tribes and forest dwellers by granting fair compensation to the oustees, alleging violation of rights due to the construction of the Indira Sagar Polavaram Project on river Godavari in Andhra Pradesh. The plea also sought a scheme to ensure resettlement and rehabilitation of original inhabitants who are now displaced.