Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Feb 11: The Telangana High Court has directed authorities to file counter-affidavits within two weeks in a batch of cases concerning alleged encroachments of water bodies across the state. The court warned that failure to comply would result in officials depositing Rs 5,000 each as costs with the Telangana State Legal Services Authority.
The cases pertain to alleged encroachments of Malkam Cheruvu at Serilingampally, Krindikunta Cheruvu at Kukatpally, Chinna Cheruvu at Ramanthapur and Ameenpur Cheruvu in Sangareddy district. The bench also heard connected contempt cases and writ petitions.
Special Government Pleader Pottigari Sridhar Reddy informed the court that a counter-affidavit had already been filed in a matter relating to Malkam Cheruvu and could be adopted in similar cases. He sought two weeks’ time to file responses in the remaining matters.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G M Mohiuddin granted two weeks to the authorities and allowed petitioners an additional two weeks thereafter to file their replies. The court directed both sides to submit written submissions at least three days before the next hearing and posted the matters after four weeks, making it clear that no further adjournment would be granted.
Meanwhile, IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu on Tuesday reviewed development works at Uppal Nallacheruvu and inaugurated works under the Strategic Nala Development Programme in Uppal.
Lauding the efforts of HYDRAA, he said its work in protecting lakes, nalas, parks, government land and public utility spaces was in line with the government’s vision of developing Hyderabad into a better city. During his visit, the minister examined 3D models of the lake development plan and reviewed the design, execution and progress of the project.
He directed officials to develop the front elevation of Uppal Nallacheruvu in an attractive manner, noting that the lake runs along the main road leading towards Warangal.