Hundreds of fish deaths in Durgam Cheruvu prompt HC to take suo motu action

The High Court in Hyderabad has taken action after hundreds of fish died in Durgam Cheruvu. They have converted a news article about the incident into a public interest litigation (PIL). The court has appointed Senior Counsel Vedula Srinivas as the amicus curiae to assist in the PIL. Normally, the Chief Justice bench would issue notices to officials and ask for their response. However, Chief Justice Alok Aradhe did not want to listen to the government pleader of the Irrigation department who was explaining the cause of the fish deaths. The government pleader stated that the fish died due to sewage water inflow caused by a damaged sewerage pipeline. This response angered Chief Justice Alok Aradhe, who wanted the officials to welcome the court’s orders to appoint an expert committee to inspect the lake and suggest remedies. The senior counsel will suggest names for the expert committee, which will visit Durgam Cheruvu and report on the lake’s conditions, including any encroachments. The Chief Justice suggested that the committee should include an environmentalist, an NGO, a senior advocate, and other officers. The PIL has been adjourned until December 22.