The Telangana High Court on Monday emphasized that preventing drinking water pollution is a collective responsibility of all government departments and a critical issue affecting public health. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin, underscored the necessity of ensuring that water supplied to the public is free from contamination, noting that water pollution involves not only bacterial contamination but also the presence of hazardous metals.
Court Hearing on Public Interest Litigation
The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) based on a letter, which in turn was based on a report titled ‘City’s lifelines turning toxic pools’ published in The Times of India on October 14, 2025. The PIL highlighted the alarming state of water bodies in Hyderabad, which are being polluted by untreated sewage and industrial waste.
Court Observations and Directives
The court observed that other departments cannot remain indifferent by claiming that the issue falls solely within the jurisdiction of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB). It directed all departments concerned, including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), to file detailed counter-affidavits. Taking note of the severity of the situation, the court also appointed senior advocate K Vivek Reddy as amicus curiae to assist the court in the matter.
Arguments Presented by State and Water Board
State counsels argued that the water board oversees the water supply from both reservoirs and informed the court that a counter had already been filed on behalf of the pollution control board. Counsel for the water board argued that sewage does not mix with the lakes and that water treatment plants have been established. However, the bench questioned how untreated sewage was being released into the lakes, expressing concerns over the effectiveness of the treatment plants.
Court’s Stance on Departmental Accountability
Stating that other departments cannot distance themselves from the issue by claiming it is unrelated to water supply, the court passed the directions and adjourned the hearing to July 2. The court reiterated that water pollution is a multifaceted problem requiring coordinated action from multiple departments, including municipal corporations, pollution control boards, and water supply authorities.
