Telangana HC disposes PIL on Jubilee Hills blasting, seeks strict compliance

The Telangana High Court concluded hearings on petitions and a suo motu PIL concerning alleged round-the-clock blasting in Jubilee Hills for high-rise construction. After being informed that all permissions were granted following due process and that blasting had ceased in July, the Court directed authorities to strictly follow statutory safeguards in future and disposed of the matter.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Tuesday concluded hearing of a batch of petitions and a suo motu PIL over alleged day-and-night blasting in Jubilee Hills for construction of high-rise buildings, after being informed that permissions were granted only after due scrutiny and that blasting activities had already been halted.

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The matter arose after news reports highlighted round-the-clock blasting near Nyaya Vihar residential quarters for judges in Jubilee Hills, prompting the High Court to treat the issue as a suo motu case. Several residents from the locality also filed petitions raising safety and environmental concerns.

Appearing for the Hyderabad Police Commissioner, Additional Advocate General Imran Khan argued that the Commissioner was vested with authority under the Hyderabad City Police Act to grant permissions for blasting. He submitted that necessary clearances from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) and the Chief Controller of Explosives were examined before granting approval.

The AAG further told the bench that field reports from the local police were also considered to assess the likely impact on nearby residential areas. He clarified that a private construction company had undertaken the blasting for multi-storeyed structures, but blasting activities were stopped in July and no further work involving explosives was underway.

Recording the submissions, the bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin observed that the authorities had assured compliance with all statutory safeguards and rules before granting such permissions. The Court directed that the same procedure be strictly followed in the future and disposed of the petitions.