'Shocking, Isn't It?': Telangana High Court Directs Restoration Of 13 Lakes Across State

In another order aimed at protecting the environment and specifically the lakes that Hyderabad is famous for, the Telangana High Court has directed for restoration of 13 lakes within the State.

“The report submitted by the Committee appointed by this Court exposes a grim picture of the lakes/water bodies situated in the city of Hyderabad. The pollution of the lakes not only affects the environment, but is posing a severe health hazard to the public in general, as the contaminated water is being used for cultivation of vegetables. The natural habitats of various birds and aquatic species have diminished due to adverse impact of continued encroachment and the pollution,” a division bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti said.

The Court was dealing with a Writ Petition taken up based on a letter, praying that the Court take cognizance of the deprecating conditions of the lake throughout the State and pass orders to restore them.

A committee was set up by the Court and in February, the committee surveyed 13 lakes in the State.

It was noted that apart from the Durgam Cheruvu Lake (in regards to which the Court has passed specific orders directing protection and restoration), in all 13 lakes the following pressing and persistent issues were noted:

1. No FTL (full tank level) was set;
2. No fencing was setup around the lakes;
3. Multiple structures had come up in the Buffer Zones;
4. Sewage was being released in the lakes;
5. No walking tracks or CCTV cameras were set up to monitor the lake;
6. No guards were placed around the lakes.

Additionally, in Nallacheruvu lake, the committee noted that the bund side and other three sides were covered by boundary walls of the adjacent property owners; cultivation of leafy vegetables were being undertaken by the farmers/local growers using the polluted water posing a significant health concern.

In Pedda Cheruvu the Committee observed that the visual inspection revealed pervasive contamination with sewage waste, posing a substantial health hazard to the lake's flora and fauna. The Committee has also received complaints from the local residents that during a storm, the entire sewage content would be diverted into neighbouring colonies. From the adjoining 'nalas', the untreated water enters the lake which contaminates the water of the lake.

In Chinnadamera Cheruvu, colleges and institutions situated around the lake have been dumping the debris and taking up the work of filling up the lake, which is leading to the diversion of lake water into other lands of the farmers. The sewage/wastewater is being released from the residential colleges directly into the lake due to which the fish in the lake are dying, the Committee informed the court.

Taken aback, the Bench remarked, “Shocking, isn't it?” and directed the State to take action in pursuance of the Joint Committee report and file a compliance report along with photographs within a period of 3 weeks.

Case no.: W.P.No.14728 of 2007

Counsel for petitioner: Letter

Counsel for Petitioner: Addl Advocate General, Imran Khan (Sr)