HC fines govt for not responding promptly to PIL over Osman Sagar, Himayat Sagar encroachments

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Thursday imposed a cost of Rs 5,000 on the State government for failing to file its counter-affidavit in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

The PIL was seeking to restrain five convention centres from carrying out alleged illegal constructions downstream of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar.

The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Ghouse Meera Mohiuddin, declined the request of Special Government Pleader Rahul Reddy for additional time, directing that the amount be deposited with the Telangana State Legal Services Authority.

Case about agricultural land converted for commercial activities

The PIL seeks action against Ananda Convention in Kothwalguda, Neo Convention in Janwada, Aarya Convention, KLN Utsav in Shankarpally mandal and K Convention in Jubilee Hills, alleging that they have converted vast stretches of agricultural land into commercial facilities.

The alleged conversion is in violation of the eco-sensitive bio-conservation zone regulations.

The petition states that these centres have built massive structures, laid extensive concrete and gravel surfaces for parking and erected large compound walls to accommodate gatherings of 3,000 to 5,000 people, all within the prohibited 10 km radius of the Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar catchment areas.

Constructions are in violation of GO 111

The court noted that despite issuing notices to the government as early as April 30 and again directing it on November 6 to file its response, no counter affidavit had been submitted.

The Bench observed that the alleged constructions fall within the ambit of GO 111, which restricts such activity to prevent obstruction of natural water channels feeding the two reservoirs.