Andhra High Court orders status quo over deforestation of Kakinada Mada lands

Andhra Pradesh: A petition has been filed in the High Court over the deforestation of mangroves forest lands in Machilipatnam. The High Court heard on the petition through a video conference. Two fishermen have filed a petition alleging that the government is working to cut down the mangroves and distribute land to the poor. Petitioner's lawyer explained to the court that it was illegal. The High Court has imposed status quo on deforestation and ordered to file counter within four weeks.

Earlier, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu earlier criticized and objected over the state government's decision to clear the Mada forest in East Godavari district to provide housing for the needy. He claimed that cutting the Mada Forest would destroy the livelihood of more than 54,000 fishermen and living in the region.

However, Andhra Pradesh minister for Marketing and Fisheries Mopidevi Venkata Ramana Rao slammed TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu for criticizing the state government's decision over the land acquisition of Kakinada mangrove forests for the Housing for Poor scheme. He alleged TDP for politicising the issue and stalling for distribution of lands to poor.