MPHC stays central order on Maheshwar

Indore, June 20 (UNI) Work has restarted on Khargone district's 400-MW Maheshwar Hydel Power Project on the Narmada river after the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court imposed an interim stay on the Union Environment and Forests Ministry's June 9 order halting construction.

Justice A M Sapre imposed the stay yesterday while hearing a petition by the Shree Maheshwar Hydel Power Corporation. Notices would be issued to the Centre and state government within three days. Replies would have to be filed on July 5, the next date of hearing, regarding the Rs 2,400-crore venture.

The corporation was represented by advocates Vivek Tankha and Akash Sharma.

The central order was issued as a comprehensive resettlement and rehabilitation policy had not been presented.

Official sources said work began yesterday and it was welcomed by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh besides other organisations.

The sangh yesterday effigies of burnt the Centre and Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar to protest against the ''anti-development'' Central order.

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