The Tribunal can initiate proceedings suo-motu based on public interest and environmental concerns.

ORDER

1. This original application is registered suo-motu on the basis of the news item titled "Hafeezpet Lakes Under Siege: Residents Expose Illegal Constructions and Sewage Dumping Demands Action" appearing in The Munsif News 27X7 dated 04.07.2025.

2. The matter relates to the deteriorating condition of the Kothakunta and Mangalavani lakes in Hafeezpet, Hyderabad. As per the article, residents have raised serious concerns over the unchecked discharge of untreated sewage and rampant encroachments around the lakes, particularly by residential projects. It is further reported that several constructions have allegedly encroached upon the lakebeds—by building permanent structures, extending compound walls, and narrowing the natural water spread—which has resulted in the shrinking of the lake surface area and disruption of natural drainage. The article mentions that untreated wastewater from some housing complexes is reportedly being discharged directly into the lakes, resulting in foul odour, stagnation of water, and mosquito breeding, thereby posing a serious public health hazard.

3. The matter above seems to attract the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 , Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.

4. The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactment.

5. Power of the Tribunal to take up the matter suo-motu has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.

6. Hence, we implead the following as respondents:

i. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Through its Member Secretary Parivesh Bhawan, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi-110032 ii. Telangana pollution Control Board, Through its Member Secretary Telangana Pollution Control Board, A-3, Paryavaran Bhavan, Sanath Nagar Rd, Sanath Nagar Industrial Estate, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500018 iii. District Magistrate, Hyderabad Lakdikapul, Hyderabad,500004 iv. Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Through its Commissioner CC Complex Tank Bund Road, Lower Tank Bund Hyderabad: 500063 v. Telangana State Wetlands Authority Aranya Bhavan, Saifabad, Hyderabad - 500004.

7. Issue notice to the above respondents for filing their response/reply by way of affidavit before the Southern Zonal Bench of the Tribunal at least one week before the next date of hearing. If any respondent directly files the reply without routing it through his advocate then the said respondent will remain virtually present to assist the Tribunal.

8. Since the matter relates to the Southern Zonal Bench, Chennai, therefore, OA is transferred to the Southern Zonal Bench. Therefore, the original record of this OA be transferred to the Southern Zonal Bench, Chennai for further action.

9. List before Southern Zonal Bench at Chennai on 03.09.2025.