The ‘double game’ by deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan, who is holding the environment and forest ministry, with regard to forest laws sending confusing signals to the officials and also coalition partners in the government. His recent visit to Green Co, which is facing allegations of blatant violation of forest laws in Kurnool district, sent conflict signals.
A few days ago, Pawan Kalyan, who visited the Kakinada Port, openly expressed his anger at Kakinada TDP MLA Vanamadi Venkateswara Rao, asking him what he would do if ration rice is being smuggled illegally? But even though there are allegations that the Green Co. company has violated forest laws and carried out illegal constructions, surprisingly he did not said a single word against them.
Apart from illegal constructions, there have been allegations that the company has encroached 140 acres of forest land. The promoters of the company, who enjoyed great proximity with the previous government, now seem to be able to maintain similar rapport with Pawan Kalyan.
The officials have found that this private company has arbitrarily occupied forest lands and has undertaken various constructions necessary for their company in them. But on his visit to the company, the Deputy Chief Minister hailed that the Integrated Renewable Energy Project (IREP) being built by Green Co in the joint Kurnool district is a flagship project for our country. He praised this project as a model for the country in terms of green power production.
Though he said that strict action will be taken against those who illegally encroached on government and forest lands, his silence against allegations that the Green Co company built roads without taking any forest department permission and dug up hills, only said to be intended as his tactical support to them.
Temporary sheds were built for the workers doing the project work. In addition, it is reported that the temporary garages built to park machinery did not have permission from the forest department. Kurnool forest officials reported the same matter to the government.
Leaving all this aside, the authorities are expressing doubts as to how they can act impartially in the matter of this company after Pawan Kalyan showered praises on them?. Looking at all this, it is being said that Pawan Kalyan’s double game is clearly visible.