The Hyderabad High Court has issued notices to the state government regarding violations of GO 111 around the Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs. The court questioned how the state has failed in implementing the Environmental Protection Act. It directed the government to provide an explanation within four weeks.
A petition was filed by Mandadi Madhav Reddy from Pedda Mangalaram village in Moinabad mandal, alleging that the concerned authorities have failed to take action against unauthorised constructions in the protected areas under GO 111, which has been in place since 1996. The petition raised concerns about the encroachments in the surrounding areas of the reservoirs.
A bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yadav heard the petition and issued notices to the state government and several private parties. The court instructed the government, along with officials from various departments, including the Chief Secretary, Water Resources, Irrigation and CAD, MA&UD, Pollution Control Board, Water Board, HMDA, and GHMC, to submit their responses within four weeks.
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Notices were also issued to private respondents. The unauthorised constructions are reportedly within a 10 km radius of the twin reservoirs, which are crucial for Hyderabad’s water supply and environmental balance. The court emphasised the importance of these areas and the role they play in the region’s ecology.
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Illegal constructions are rampant in the wildlife conservation zone. Madhav Reddy argued in his petition that the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986, the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the National Green Tribunal, and Supreme Court rulings have all been violated. He expressed concern that uncontrolled constructions are blocking natural water pathways, thereby obstructing the flow to Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar.
He stated that this is not only causing a drop in water levels and degradation of water quality but also exacerbating the water shortage in Hyderabad. He further explained that the forced release of water from the reservoirs could lead to urban flooding in Hyderabad. Madhav Reddy urged the court to implement GO 111 and issue orders to the state government to ban all construction activities in the protected villages listed under the GO, in accordance with its provisions.
