Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy derided the TDP for initiating a discussion on illegally constructed 'grievance hall' -Praja Vedika demolished recently by the YSRCP government. He pointed out that no one stood above the law. YS Jagan cited the example of Chennai and more recently Mumbai affected by heavy rains resulting in building collapse and loss of lives. Such tragedies could be averted if people and leaders followed construction laws and allowed water to take its course. When water course during rains gets blocked, it leads to such disasters, he pointed out.

YS Jagan stated that the River Conservator has the authority to deny permissions when the River Conservation Act is violated.The Chief Minister requested the Speaker to permit him to screen a letter written by the executive engineer concerned in which it was stated that the maximum flood level is 22.60 m and the highest field level of the illegal constructions is 19.50 m.

Praja Vedika and other buildings are obstructing floods, he pointed out. YS Jagan observed that when the chief minister himself flouts rules, others follow suit indiscriminately. In such a scenario, people thumb their noses at the law. The same letter also stated that "it is not possible to issue clearance" for the proposed grievance hall.

The chief minister further remarked that on 1/2/2017 the Lokayukta had directed the collectors of Krishna and Guntur to remove such encroachments within 6 months. YS Jagan added that such actions could submerge Vijayawada. Hence, he had emphatically stated to IAS/IPS officers and senior officials at the Collectors' Conference that "if we sit and hold meetings in such an illegally constructed hall we would be sending a wrong message to the people of the state." He observed that a poor man's illegally constructed house would be pulled down in no time, but the rich and powerful are allowed to get away.

YS Jagan said that a leader with 40 years experience should be a role model and should remember that no one is above the law. When the chief minister himself violates all laws and norms what kind of message would he be sending to the common citizens.

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