Telangana HC refuses to stall Bathukamma celebrations; event to go as scheduled on Sep 26

Hyderabad: Telangana High Court has refused to stall the Bathukamma celebrations scheduled to be held at Amberpet’s Bathukamma Kunta on September 26.

The case challenging the celebrations has been adjourned to October 9. Bathukamma Kunta is the first of six lakes taken up in the initial phase to be fully rejuvenated by HYDRAA.

Case deferred to October 9

A petition filed by activist Eedla Sudhakar Reddy, who has been contesting land rights under an unregistered agreement for decades, sought to halt the inauguration of Bathukamma Kunta and the festival activities.

The court, however, made no observations on stopping the celebrations. Officials confirmed that the festivities will proceed on September 26.

HYDRAA Commissioner’s site visit

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath inspected Bathukamma Kunta on Tuesday night and reviewed preparations. With Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expected to dedicate the rejuvenated lake to the people during the festival, he instructed officials to ensure the surroundings are fully beautified by the deadline.

Political leaders laud work

Senior Congress leader and former MP V Hanumantha Rao also visited the site and praised HYDRAA’s execution. “Looking at Bathukamma Kunta today, one can hardly believe such a transformation was possible in such a short time,” locals remarked.

Residents credited the government for entrusting HYDRAA with the responsibility and lauded the agency for its swift completion of works.

Boat ride marks completion

To mark the inspection, Commissioner Ranganath took a boat ride on Bathukamma Kunta, joined by HYDRAA Administrator SP R Sudarshan and Hanumantha Rao. The event symbolically underscored the lake and its surroundings' readiness for the upcoming festival.