Advertisement
Private equity has played a significant role in shaping Indi...
In today’s real estate landscape, fitness is often treated...
In this episode of Prop Personalities, we sit down with Hars...
Luxury real estate is one of the most talked-about segments ...
Welcome to Prop Personalities by Prop News Time - a podcast ...
The Telangana High Court has raised serious concerns over alleged illegal construction within the Salkam Cheruvu lake area in Hyderabad, directing authorities to investigate lapses in enforcement. In proceedings held in the past week, the court questioned why encroachments, including institutional developments, were allowed to continue for years without regulatory intervention. It ordered a joint survey to determine lake boundaries and identify violations, while directing senior officials across departments to submit detailed reports. The case highlights regulatory gaps in managing urban lake zones and enforcing development controls in environmentally sensitive areas.
The Telangana High Court stated in the past week that it has initiated action against alleged illegal construction within Salkam Cheruvu in Hyderabad, questioning prolonged inaction by multiple government departments and directing a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Advertisement
Hearing a petition concerning encroachments within the lake’s Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones, the court observed that construction activity had continued for several years without adequate scrutiny or enforcement. It raised concerns over whether authorities had verified approvals or taken preventive action despite visible expansion of structures since the mid-2000s.
The court directed principal secretaries of the Revenue, Irrigation, Municipal Administration and School Education departments to conduct a detailed inquiry into officials who failed to act during the course of construction. It stated that accountability must be fixed, including against those who had held office during earlier stages of development.
As part of the proceedings, the High Court ordered a joint survey by the Revenue and Irrigation departments to determine the precise limits of the lake’s FTL and buffer zones. Authorities have been instructed to identify all structures falling within these restricted areas and submit a comprehensive report for further action.
The bench also questioned the apparent inconsistency in enforcement, noting that while demolition drives are often carried out against smaller residential encroachments, larger constructions linked to institutional entities had not faced similar action. It sought clarification from government representatives, who were unable to confirm whether requisite approvals had been obtained for certain developments.
Referring to established legal principles, the court reiterated that encroachments on public assets such as lakes are subject to removal under existing judicial directions. It stressed that protection of water bodies remains a statutory and environmental priority, and delays in enforcement cannot be justified.
The matter also raised concerns regarding the impact on occupants and users of such structures. The court indicated that necessary safeguards must be considered, particularly in cases involving educational institutions, while ensuring that regulatory compliance is enforced.
Authorities have been directed to submit detailed status reports, including findings from the survey and actions proposed against illegal constructions. The case has been scheduled for further hearing, with the court indicating that continued non-compliance may invite stricter directions.
The proceedings underscore the challenges of regulating development in urban waterbody zones, where encroachments, legacy approvals and enforcement gaps intersect with environmental protection requirements.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
