The Telangana High Court has intervened decisively in a contentious dispute surrounding Sunnam Cheruvu lake in Hyderabad, ordering an independent and detailed inquiry. On Thursday, the court directed a special officer of the rank of Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) to investigate allegations of encroachment and irregularities at the water body located in Allapur, Serilingampally mandal.
Court Mandates Unbiased Investigation
The bench issued clear instructions that the special officer must form an independent opinion, uninfluenced by any senior officials or government agencies, including the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HYDRAA). This officer was appointed by the Chief Secretary following a prior request from the court during an earlier hearing of the case.
Emphasizing transparency, the court clarified that the officer must consult with the petitioners before commissioning the survey. To ensure a thorough probe, officials from the Irrigation Department, the Survey & Land Records departments of Medchal-Malkajgiri and Rangareddy districts, and the concerned GHMC Deputy Commissioner have been directed to assist in preparing the final report.
Key Directives and Allegations
The court issued several crucial orders. It instructed the state to submit details of all properties located within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and the buffer zones of Sunnam Cheruvu. In a significant move to curb illegal water extraction, the court also directed the electricity department to disconnect power supply to borewells operating in the prohibited zones around the lake.
The hearing was based on petitions filed by plot and landowners around the lake, who sought a proper survey and demarcation of the lake's boundaries. The petitioners made serious allegations, claiming that HYDRAA was excavating land to benefit villa projects on one side. They further informed the court that despite the ongoing case, HYDRAA continued excavation work near the lake, private tankers were drawing water from the area, and that the water, allegedly contaminated with heavy metals, was being supplied for drinking purposes.
Government's Stance and Judicial Assurance
Representing the state, Additional Advocate General Mohd Imran Khan countered the claims, arguing that the petitions contained false information. He questioned the boundaries and land schedules cited by the petitioners. Khan assured the court that the authorities would demolish any villas found to be constructed within the FTL or buffer zones of Sunnam Cheruvu.
The presiding judge took a firm stand, stating, "We will also take action against HYDRAA if the report finds them at fault." The matter has been adjourned for further hearing, pending the submission of the inquiry report by the special officer. This judicial intervention highlights the ongoing struggle to protect urban water bodies from encroachment and unauthorized development in Hyderabad.
