NGT transfers suo moto case on Karedu land dispute to Southern Zone Bench
New Delhi, Dec 30
The National Green Tribunal has granted one more opportunity to villagers of Karedu in Andhra Pradesh to place material on record in support of their plea opposing diversion of agricultural land for industrial use.
A bench comprising Judicial Member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member Ishwar Singh was hearing a complaint filed on the green tribunal's public grievances portal, later registered as an original application suo motu (on its own motion).
The complaint alleged that over 8,348 acres of fertile agricultural land in Karedu village of Ulavapadu mandal, Sri Potti Sree Ramulu Nellore district, was proposed to be taken over for industrial use by a private solar company, threatening the livelihood of nearly 16,000 families.
Noting that the applicant did not appear before the NGT and had not placed any supporting material on record, the Justice Tyagi-led Bench said it was nevertheless not inclined to dismiss the case.
"In view of the nature of environmental issues raised, we do not consider dismissal in default of the original application to be appropriate," the green tribunal observed.
"One more opportunity may be given to the applicant for appearance and placing the material available with him in support of the averments made in the original application," it added.
Taking into account that the cause of action arose in Andhra Pradesh, the NGT held that the matter would be more appropriately heard by the Southern Zone Bench.
"In view of the facts and circumstances of the case, including the fact that the place of accrual of the cause of action lies within the jurisdiction of the Southern Zone Bench of this Tribunal at Chennai, we are of the considered view that it will be appropriate if the case is further heard there," the order said.
Accordingly, the Justice Tyagi-led Bench directed the registry to list the matter before the Chennai Bench on January 12, 2026, after obtaining necessary orders for transfer, and to inform the applicant of the date of hearing. The NGT also directed that the applicant be asked to appear and place all available material in support of his claims on the next date.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good move by NGT to transfer it to the Southern Zone Bench. Local judges will understand the ground realities of Andhra Pradesh better. But why is the applicant not appearing? 16,000 families' livelihoods are at stake. They need to be more proactive.
Solar company is important for green energy, but not at the cost of fertile agricultural land. Can't they use barren land instead? There must be a balance between development and protecting farmers. The 2026 hearing date seems very far away though.
This is a classic case of big corporations vs. small villagers. The tribunal giving them another chance is a ray of hope. Hope the farmers unite and gather all documents - land records, environmental impact reports, everything. Don't miss this opportunity.
Interesting to see the NGT acting suo moto from a public grievance. The system works when it wants to. But the delay until 2026 is concerning. Justice delayed is justice denied, especially for those 16,000 families waiting in uncertainty.
As someone from a farming family, this hits close to home. Land is not just an asset, it's our life. Taking such a massive area will destroy the local ecosystem and water tables too. Hope the Chennai bench gives a fair hearing. 🌾
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