The Telangana High Court has issued a stern warning to state authorities, HMDA, and private developers over the growing number of illegal structures near the protected catchment areas of Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs. During the hearing on Thursday, November 6, a bench led by Chief Justice Apares Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin directed all concerned parties to file their counters within three weeks. The court cautioned that failure to comply could result in a stay on all construction activities in the region.

The case was heard following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Mandadi Madhava Reddy from Moinabad, who raised concerns over the blatant violation of GO 111 — a government order that prohibits any new development within a 10-kilometer radius of the twin lakes to preserve their ecological balance. The petitioner’s counsel, advocate P Shashidhar Reddy, pointed out that several convention centers, including Ananda, Neo, Arya, KLN Utsav, and K Convention, have continued operations and construction despite the ban. He further noted that despite serving notices to authorities in April, no responses or corrective actions had been taken.

After reviewing the arguments, the bench observed that the six-month delay in filing counters reflected the authorities’ negligence and lack of urgency. Granting one final extension, the court directed all respondents to submit their affidavits with proof of service to private parties who had not yet received notices. The next hearing has been scheduled for December 11, where the court is expected to take a decisive stand if compliance is not met.