Balayya film shooting cancelled by Forest Department

Visakhapatnam: Nandamuri Balakrishna's film shooting directed by Parchuri Murali had been stalled by the forest department in Visakhapatnam for violating the permission norms. The film unit (produced by ML Kumar Chowdary on Srikeerthi Combines banner) has errected a huge set by cutting down hundreds of trees in the Sambhuvanipalem reservoir on the outskirts of the city. The Forest Department on Wednesday revoked the permission granted to a film production unit following alleged encroachment of a reservoir in the city for putting up a set for shooting of a big budget film.

After inspection of the reservoir, which is nestled amid lush green surroundings in the Pothina Mallayyapalem area, forest officials cancelled the permission for violation of conditions laid down by them. Divisional Forest Officer P. Rammohana Rao told that they found construction activity as well as a road laid by the film unit highly objectionable. He said they would take further action as per law.

The Telugu film unit, which engaged a contractor after seeking formal permission for shooting, axed several huge trees, laid an approach road and posted private security after filling the reservoir with sand brought from outside and built a few cottages. Tribal villagers in the area said that the constructions were made for shooting a scene based on Ramayana featuring big stars like Balakrishna, Srikant and Charmee. Chembuvanipalem reservoir, built by the Irrigation Department about six decades ago, was abandoned for a long time. It is said to be bigger than the Mudasarlova reservoir. The water body, which is close to reserve forest, is said to spread over 62 acres.

Forum for Better Visakha convener E.A.S. Sarma, member S. Bhujanga Rao and INTACH activist Rani Sarma on Tuesday sought action against the unit and officials concerned for violation of environmental, water body and forest laws. 'During past one month, the abandoned reservoir has been cleaned by cutting trees, bringing earthmoving machines to fill it in the middle and construct a few cottages,' Appalanarasamma, a tribal from the nearby village, said.

Mr. Sarma, a former IAS officer, earlier complained to Union Minister of State for Environment Jairam Ramesh, seeking immediate action to protect the water body. Sarat Babu, a former VUDA engineer, said: 'For constructing a reservoir like this involves an expenditure of Rs.100 crores. Hence, it should be protected and used for water storage and also as a balancing reservoir.'