NGT fines civic body & irrigation wing for delay in submitting reports on lake

Hyderabad: The National Green Tribunal (southern zone) has imposed a penalty of Rs 5,000 each on the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and irrigation department for failing to submit the required action-taken reports and relevant govt orders as directed.
In its order dated Sept 5, 2024, the tribunal had instructed both departments to file independent reports outlining actions taken to prevent encroachments and restore the Bum Rukn-ud-Dowla lake, along with the necessary govt orders. However, during the final hearing on Nov 14, 2024, both the GHMC and the irrigation department failed to comply with these directives.
The tribunal observed that despite being given over two months to prepare their reports, neither of the departments submitted the required documentation. Counsel for both departments requested additional time, which the tribunal granted, but imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each, to be paid within a week to the NGT regular practitioner's association.
The case, originally filed in 2018 and later transferred to the Chennai bench in 2022, involves encroachment, pollution, and the restoration of Bum Rukn-ud-Dowla lake. Petitioner Dr Lubna Sarwath raised concerns about large-scale dumping on the lake's western side and encroachments on its eastern side, despite previous complaints and FIRs.
In July 2024, Dr Sarwath conducted a survey of the lake with officials, which led to additional complaints being filed on Aug 1, 2024. On Aug 10, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) demolished part of the encroachments, but the restoration of the lake remains incomplete. Reports have indicated that fresh encroachments have emerged at the site.
During the Nov 14 hearing, the judges expressed their dissatisfaction with the authorities' non-compliance with the Sept 5 order, especially given that the matter was listed for final hearing. They emphasised that the reports would only be accepted after proof of penalty payment and instructed the departments to file their reports within two weeks.
The case is now scheduled for further consideration and final hearing on Jan 13, 2025.