The Telangana High Court has raised serious concerns about illegal construction near Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar lakes in Hyderabad. On Wednesday, the court demanded answers from top officials within four weeks. It questioned why large structures like convention halls are being permitted in zones protected under Government Order 111 (GO 111).
GO 111 was created to protect the environment around these lakes. It bans construction of concrete buildings within a 10-kilometer radius of the lakes. This area is considered a bio-conservation zone, meant to preserve water quality and natural ecosystems.
The court issued notices to the Telangana state government, the Irrigation Department, the Municipal Administration, and the Pollution Control Board. It also sent notices to five owners of newly built large halls in the restricted zone.
This legal action follows a petition filed by Mandadi Madhava Reddy, a resident of Moinabad. He claimed that the government is turning a blind eye to construction that violates GO 111 and harms the lakes’ environment.
His lawyer explained that five massive halls have already been built in Janwada, each capable of hosting up to 5,000 people. He said the waste from these gatherings is flowing into the lakes, polluting the water and damaging the ecosystem.
The lawyer also pointed out that these buildings have led to the cutting down of trees and blocked the natural flow of rainwater. This disruption affects both the environment and the water supply.
He accused the authorities of ignoring the violations. He also criticized HYDRAA, the agency responsible for protecting the lakes, for failing to stop the illegal activities.
The court is now waiting for a detailed explanation from the involved departments and property owners. The case highlights growing concerns about rapid urban development and its impact on Hyderabad’s water bodies and green zones.
