Telangana HC to Hyderabad civic body: Resolve Durgam Cheruvu FTL land encroachment row in 8 weeks, use 2022 committee's recommendations

HYDERABAD: The Telangana high court has directed the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to resolve the issue of encroachment of Durgam Cheruvu by refixing the full tank level (FTL). The court told the GHMC commissioner to consider the 2022 recommendations of a five-member committee that Durgam Cheruvu was no longer an irrigation tank but more of a tourist spot to settle FTL encroachment issues practically.

Justice K Lakshman gave eight weeks to the authorities to resolve all interlinked issues regarding Durgam Cheruvu FTL encroachment.

The judge gave the direction while disposing of a petition filed by Amar Society Plot Owners Association alleging encroachment of open space in the society. Dealing with their specific grievance, the judge directed GHMC deputy commissioner to act against those who had taken over the open space.

However, the judge made it clear that the issue of plot ownership should be settled before a civil court and not the high court.Last year, the tahsildar of Serilingampally mandal had issued notices under Section 23 of the AP Water, Land and Trees Act, 2002, to several people for alleged constructions within the FTL of Durgam Cheruvu. This was challenged in the HC and a division bench in Sept 2024 disposed of their writ petitions directing that the notices shall be treated as show-cause notices. They were also told to submit an explanation to the tahsildar, who in turn was directed to hear them and pass orders in accordance with law.After going through various contentions and the five-men committee report, Justice Lakshman issued the order that the issues surrounding Durgam Cheruvu have to be resolved practically.