Illegal constructions at Osman Sagar, Himayat Sagar: Telangana HC slams state for not responding to PIL
The Court warned that continued inaction would force it to pass an interim order to protect the environmentally sensitive zones
By Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: Telangana High Court has pulled up the state government for failing to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that seeks a halt to large-scale illegal constructions near the catchment areas of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar lakes.
The Court warned that continued inaction would force it to pass an interim order to protect the environmentally sensitive zones.
Bench expresses displeasure
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Ghouse Meera Mohiuddin, hearing the PIL on Thursday, expressed sharp displeasure over the government’s “casual approach” in not filing a counter-affidavit despite being served notice on April 30, 2025.
“If this lackadaisical attitude continues, the Court will be constrained to issue interim directions,” the Bench cautioned, while directing the government to file its response before the next hearing.
PIL highlights constructions in protected zone
The PIL was filed by Mandadi Madhava Reddy, an agriculturist from Moinabad, Rangareddy district, who alleged rampant violations of G.O. Ms. No. 111 (dated March 8, 1996). The government order restricts development activity within a 10-kilometre radius of the two reservoirs to safeguard Hyderabad’s drinking water sources.
The petitioner cited several convention centres — Ananda Convention (Kothwalguda), Neo Convention (Janwada), Aarya Convention, KLN Utsav (Shankarpally), and K. Convention (Jubilee Hills) — claiming that they had converted agricultural lands for commercial purposes and built massive structures, including parking areas capable of accommodating thousands of visitors.
‘Authorities turned mute spectators’
The petitioner accused key departments, the Municipal Administration Department, Telangana Pollution Control Board (TPCB), HMDA, GHMC, HMWSSB, and the Lake Protection Committee, of failing to act against blatant encroachments.
Even the HYDRAA, set up specifically to monitor illegal constructions, was alleged to have remained ineffective.
Environmental concerns raised
The plea contended that these commercial activities not only violate G.O. 111 but also breach multiple environmental laws, including the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
According to Reddy, indiscriminate construction and concretisation have blocked natural water channels feeding the two reservoirs, reducing inflow and posing a serious threat to Hyderabad’s drinking water security.
Court cautions against Government Inertia
After hearing the arguments, the court reiterated that protecting Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar is of utmost importance to the city’s ecological balance and water sustainability.
It directed the State Government to file a detailed counter before the next hearing and made it clear that further delay would invite judicial intervention. The case has been adjourned to the next date for compliance.
