Telangana HC directs state govt to submit report on steps taken to safeguard Kaleshwaram project

The Telangana High Court, led by Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin, directed the State government to file a detailed implementation report on protective measures taken for the Kaleshwaram project following the devastating 2023 floods.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin of the Telangana High Court on Tuesday directed the State government to file an implementation report detailing the measures taken to protect the Kaleshwaram project and the steps initiated under Section 39 of the Disaster Management Act.

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The Bench was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Dr. Cheruku Sudhakar, K. Shravan Kumar and others, seeking enforcement of the provisions of the Act in the wake of the 2023 floods, which claimed hundreds of lives in Mulugu, Jayashankar Bhupalapally and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts.

The petitioners also sought directions for safeguarding the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages of the Kaleshwaram project from further damage. Appearing for the petitioners, advocate Chikkudu Prabhakar argued that the State’s failure to take protective measures had aggravated the damage and left several low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding.

He urged the Court to ensure strict compliance with all obligations under Section 39, which mandates specific duties for government departments in disaster prevention and management. The Bench reiterated that all items listed under Section 39 must be implemented in full and that adequate steps should be taken to protect the barrages.

It directed the State to submit a comprehensive status report covering the execution of previous Court orders, the latest developments and complete details of protective works undertaken. With the said directions matter had been adjourned to August 28.