With the Environment Ministry yet to give its nod for several irrigation and power projects in Andhra Pradesh, a delegation of six ministers from the State today met Jairam Ramesh and demanded that they be given expeditious clearance.
The delegation led by Irrigation Minister Ponnala Laxmaiah met Mr. Ramesh at his office here and impressed upon him the need for expeditious clearance for the projects, which have been pending for a very long time with the Ministry.
According to the Ministers, the Environment Ministry has not given its clearance for nine irrigation projects, 15 power plants and two aluminium projects which will come up in Andhra Pradesh.
The Ministers are understood to have told the Environment Minister that the projects should be given clearance on an urgent basis since they may have an impact on the people.
?He assured us that he will give immediate clearance to three power projects. We hope it will be done soon,? Laxmaiah and Forest Minister P Ramachandra Reddy told reporters after the meeting.
For other pending projects, they said, Mr. Ramesh assured that he will look into the issue.
?We are hopeful of a positive outcome. Mr. Ramesh will travel to Hyderabad on August 19 for a meeting with Chief Minister K Rosaiah during which all these issues will be discussed,? Mr. Laxmaiah said.
