Ensure peaceful execution of Sunnam Cheruvu works: Telangana HC

The Telangana High Court directed Madhapur Police to assist Sunnam Cheruvu restoration works without using force, and appointed an RDO-level officer for neutral supervision. The order came amid disputes between HYDRAA and local residents over lake boundaries and permissions

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has directed the Madhapur Police to provide assistance for the ongoing restoration and rejuvenation works at Sunnam Cheruvu in Allapur, Serilingampally, while making it clear that no force should be used during the process. The interim order was passed by Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti in an interlocutory application filed by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA).

HYDRAA complained that members of the SIET Maruthi Hills Colony Welfare Association were obstructing the work, despite the agency confining activities strictly within the Full Tank Level (FTL) area. The association, however, alleged that officials were acting high-handedly and carrying out activities not authorised under law.

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During the hearing, counsel for the residents referred to a 2023 Division Bench order which laid down mandatory steps for lake protection, demarcating FTL boundaries, fixing buffer zones and completing surveys, and argued that the authorities had failed to comply with these directions.

Taking note of repeated disputes between the two sides, the court observed that lakes are public property and must be preserved for future generations. Justice Jukanti referred to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Swacch Association, Nagpur v. State of Maharashtra, which emphasised protection of water bodies in their pristine form and the application of the public trust doctrine. Finding it necessary to ensure neutral supervision, the Court directed the Chief Secretary to immediately appoint an officer not below the rank of Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) to oversee the lake works and submit an independent field report in a sealed cover. The officer may also videograph the work to avoid further disputes.

While granting the prayer for police assistance, the court cautioned that no force be used and instructed authorities to ensure that no untoward incidents occur during execution of the restoration works.

The matter has been posted to December 10 for further hearing.