Monday, May 9 2005 16:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today (May 9, 2005) issued notices to the Centre and Karnataka Government on a petition filed by Andhra Pradesh farmers seeking to restrain the Dharam Singh Government from constructing a hydel-power project in alleged violation of Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal Award.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice R C Lahoti, Justice D M Dharmadhikari and Justice G P Mathur also issued notices to Andhra Pradesh and Sree Swarna Energy Ltd, the company which jointly with Karnataka Government is constructing the hydel power project.

Appearing for the petitioner, Atma Linga Reddy and others, senior advocate Harish Salve contended that despite repeated representations, the Andhra Pradesh Government was keeping quiet and not taking up the matter with the appropriate authority.

Asked what was the reason for this, the senior advocate said as the Chief of the private company was a relative of the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S R Reddy, the State Government was not taking steps to enforce the water sharing fixed by Krishan Water Disputes Tribunal.

He said if the hydel-power project, adjacent to the interstate project under Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme, was constructed, the water supply to nearly 87,000 acres of land in Mahaboobnagar District would be affected.