Ken-Betwa Project: MP High Court Seeks Centre, State Replies On PIL Raising Wildlife, Environmental Concerns

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted two weeks' time to the Union and State Governments to file their replies in the PIL raising concerns over the Ken-Betwa Link Project's impact on the Panna Tiger Reserve, Ken Gharial Sanctuary, and displaced communities.

In the last hearing, the court directed the State to file a response on the action taken pursuant to the report submitted by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC). However, the counsel today informed the court that they were unable to seek instructions and sought more time. 

The division bench of Chief Justice Alpesh Y Kogje and Justice Vivek Jain orally observed:

"We will grant two weeks' time to the government to file their reply". 

The petitioner-in-person, Arihant Tiwari, submitted that the CEC report, submitted in 2019, had raised concerns regarding the project's wildlife clearance, environmental consequences and the extent of forest land and wildlife habitat likely to be affected.

During the hearing, the bench sought clarification on the status of the CEC report: "we also wanted to know whether the same issue is under consideration before a different forum". 

The counsel for the Union informed the court that one matter was pending before the National Green Tribunal and another before the Supreme Court. 

The bench then questioned, "Has the CEC report reached the Supreme Court, or is it being monitored by some local committee?". 

The court was informed that the report was before the Supreme Court and was being monitored. However, the petitioner disputed the submission, contending that the report was filed before the Supreme Court but was essentially to dispose of the matter. 

Considering the submission, the court deemed it appropriate to grant two weeks' time to the Governments to file their reply in the matter. 

For Union: Deputy Solicitor General Shri Suyash Mohan Guru and Additional Solicitor General Sunil Kumar Jain

For State: Additional Advocate General Bramhadatt Singh