`Lakes are public assets’: Telangana HC allows HYDRAA to resume restoration works at Sunnam Cheruvu in Allapur

Hyderabad: Telangana High Court has permitted the HYDRAA to resume restoration works at Sunnam Cheruvu in Allapur village of Serilingampally mandal, Rangareddy district.

The court reaffirmed that lakes are public assets and must be safeguarded for future generations.

The court made it clear that the work must be carried out peacefully and strictly in accordance with the law. The bench also reminded authorities that the Supreme Court has consistently underlined the need to conserve water bodies in their natural form.

Police protection and official supervision ordered

To prevent any law and order issues, the High Court directed the Madhapur Station House Officer (SHO) to extend necessary police protection during the restoration works. The court further instructed the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) to supervise the execution of the works to ensure full compliance with judicial directions.

The entire process must be video-recorded, and the footage submitted in a sealed cover on the next date of hearing, the court ordered. The matter has been posted for further hearing on December 10.

Residents challenge alleged illegal demolitions

The directions were issued in a petition filed by seven members of the Maruthi Hills Colony Welfare Association, Allapur, who alleged that HYDRAA had taken up demolitions in the name of clearing encroachments without issuing notices, conducting proper surveys, or determining the Full Tank Level (FTL). The petitioners contended that the actions were arbitrary and violated due process.

HYDRAA seeks Court clearance to continue works

In response, HYDRA filed an Interim Application (IA) seeking permission to continue the restoration of Sunnam Cheruvu and to avail police assistance to ensure law and order during the operation. The matter was heard by the single-judge bench of Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti.

Government’s stand: Only Rejuvenation within FTL

Appearing for HYDRAA, Additional Advocate General Imran Khan submitted that the agency was undertaking only rejuvenation works within the legally determined FTL limits. He clarified that the objective was to restore the lake to its natural ecological condition, not to target lawful structures.

Residents allege harassment, cite 2023 Court Directions

Counsel for the residents alleged that officials were behaving harshly with locals who questioned the work. The petitioners also pointed out that a Division Bench in 2023 had directed authorities to complete FTL demarcation, identify buffer zones, and conduct proper surveys before initiating protective measures, steps which, according to them, were still incomplete.

Court’s clear message: No untoward incidents

After hearing both sides, the High Court allowed HYDRAA to proceed with the restoration works but stressed that no untoward incidents should occur and that the process must be carried out sensitively, lawfully, and under close official and police supervision.