Telangana HC warns govt over ‘illegal’ works near Osman and Himayat Sagar reservoirs

The bench was dealing with a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking action against the respondents for failing to prevent illegal constructions in the prohibited bio-conservation zone within a 10 km radius of the catchment areas of the two reservoirs.

The petitioner held that these activities were in serious violation of various environmental protection Acts and judgments of the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal, as well as Government Order (GO)-111 of the state government. The petition sought strict and effective implementation of the protective and preventive measures stipulated in the order with respect to the two reservoirs in true letter and spirit.

Taking serious note of the respondents not filing counters in the PIL over their alleged inaction, the bench stated: “Directions (to file counters) were given in April 2025. None of you have filed counters. If that is the lack of urgency, then we’ll have to stay all activities in that zone,” said the bench, adding that three weeks is being given as a last opportunity to the concerned to file their counters.

The bench adjourned the matter to December 11 for further hearing.

P Sasidhar Reddy, the counsel representing petitioner Mandadi Madhava Reddy, a farmer from Moinabad, stated in the court the names of a few convention centres such as Ananda Convention, Neo Convention, Aarya Convention, KLN Utsav and K Convention who, according to the petitioner, do not have permission to carry out any developmental activities in the prohibited zone and yet have converted the lands for commercial use. He argued that the government departments have turned a blind eye to these illegal activities.