Telangana High Court Issues Final Two-Week Deadline for Lake Protection Counters
The Telangana High Court has delivered a stern directive to the state government and its associated departments, granting them a final two-week period to submit their counters in a series of petitions focused on lake conservation. This batch of petitions urgently calls for judicial intervention to safeguard several lakes across the region from encroachments, pollution, and degradation.
Petitions Seek Comprehensive Lake Safeguards
The petitions before the court demand explicit directions to protect specific lakes, prevent illegal encroachments, halt the dumping of construction debris and soil into these vital water bodies, and curb the release of industrial pollutants. These legal actions underscore growing public concern over environmental degradation and the need for robust regulatory enforcement to preserve Hyderabad's aquatic ecosystems.
Court Warns of Financial Penalties for Non-Compliance
In a decisive move, the bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin explicitly warned that a fine of Rs 5,000 per petition would be imposed if the counters are not filed within the stipulated two-week timeframe. The court emphasized that this constitutes a 'final opportunity' for the government to respond, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the environmental issues at stake.
Details of the Petitions and Government Submissions
The bench was hearing a total of 15 petitions, which include four Public Interest Litigations (PILs). These cases pertain to the protection of Malkam Cheruvu at Raidurg, Krindi Kunta at Hydernagar in Kukatpally, Chinnacheruvu at Ramanthapur, and Ameenpur lake in Sangareddy district. During the proceedings, Special Government Pleader Pottigari Sridhar Reddy informed the court that counters were still pending in three matters and requested an additional two weeks to complete the filings.
Simultaneously, Additional Solicitor General (Telangana) B Narasimha Sharma updated the bench that a counter on behalf of the Central Government had already been submitted in the PIL concerning the protection and conservation of Ameenpur lake. This indicates a multi-level governmental involvement in addressing the environmental challenges.
Court's Directives and Future Proceedings
After recording these submissions, the bench formally granted the two-week extension. It further directed all involved parties to submit their written arguments three days prior to the next scheduled hearing. The matters have been posted to be listed after four weeks, with the bench making it unequivocally clear that no further adjournments will be permitted for filing replies or rejoinders beyond the stipulated deadline.
This judicial stance reinforces the court's commitment to expediting environmental protection measures and holding authorities accountable. The outcome of these petitions could set significant precedents for lake conservation efforts not only in Telangana but potentially across other regions facing similar ecological threats.
