Andhra Pradesh Minister for Environment and Forests B. Gopala Krishna Reddy on Sunday categorically denied any construction activity across the Palar by its government.
“Palar is in Kuppam, which is the Chief Minister’s constituency. We are not constructing anything,” Mr. Reddy told reporters while replying to questions on the Andhra Pradesh government constructing new check dams and raising the height of existing ones across the Palar.
He was addressing trainee officers of the Academy of Prisons and Correctional Administration (APCA).
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Mr. Reddy also denied that any construction activity was going on at Perumpallam near the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh border, and said that there was no question of violation of the 1892 river water agreement.
On reports of construction across Tipre, a tributary of Palar inside forests, he said the place was frequented by elephants and they were making arrangements to provide fodder and water to the pachyderms.
“We have to preserve the trees that are available only in the Rayalseema area. All steps are being taken to safeguard the trees,” he said.
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Terming the killing of 20 Tamil Nadu wood cutters last year “unfortunate,” he said. Noting that the price of red sanders had dropped, Mr. Reddy said steps were being taken to sell thousands of tonnes of the trees. He noted that the smuggling of red sanders had reduced owing to the drop in price, posting of large number of police personnel and confiscation of weapons. Action was being taken against Forest Department personnel who had nexus with smugglers.
Earlier, addressing trainee officers of APCA, he emphasised on the need for utilising technology to reduce crimes.
APCA director M.R. Ahmed was present.
Gopala Krishna Reddy says there is no question of violation of the 1892 river water agreement