Telangana HC Ordered GHMC to Take Steps to Protect Lake at Suraram Village

Hyderabad: A division bench of the Telangana High Court comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti on Monday ordered the state government and GHMC to take steps expeditiously to safeguard the Katta Maisamma Cheruvu in Suraram, Quthbullapur mandal of Medchal Malkajgiri district.

The bench was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by S. Malleswara Rao, who said there was no action by the authorities to protect he lake.

The bench directed the GHMC to ensure that no encroachment occurs within the full tank level (FTL) and buffer zone of the lake. The bench also instructed GHMC to explore the possibility of constructing a bund and establishing a walking track on it through partnerships with organisations under corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Complying with the earlier orders of the court, the GHMC submitted a report detailing the current status of the lake. It said the lake area covered 16.96 acres, and the buffer zone 2.12 acres. The GHMC said chain-link fencing had been installed around the lake area, and there were no encroachments in or around the lake and buffer zone.

After reviewing the report, the bench issued several additional directives to ensure the continued protection and preservation of the Katta Maisamma Cheruvu.