The bench headed by the tribunal's acting chairperson Justice A S Naidu also directed the state government to ensure that rehabilitation and resettlement of the villagers who have been displaced is also completed within three months.
The tribunal's directions came after the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) assured that adequate measures have been taken for the protection of the displaced villagers.
"We feel ends of justice and equity would be better served, if the Project Proponent (Shree Maheshwar Hydel Power Corporation Ltd) is permitted to fill up the reservoir at the dam site up to 154 m and commence generation of 40 MW electricity on trial basis for a period of three months.
"The Madhya Pradesh government is also directed to complete the entire process of rehabilitation and resettlement work, supply of drinking water and electricity to the affected persons within three months," the bench also comprising member G K Pandey said.
The tribunal, however, made it clear that "if there is any likelihood of submergence of abadi lands, then the process will be stopped/discontinued forthwith".
In order to ensure that the environment is protected and directions regarding rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced persons are properly implemented, the tribunal has directed that the matter be listed again after three months.
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