HYDERABAD: On Oct 8, the Telangana High Court raised concerns with state government departments, including HYDRAA, regarding delays in addressing complaints from Kamareddy MLA Katipally Venkata Ramana Reddy about illegal high-rise constructions intruding on lakes and public spaces in Hyderabad.
Justice B Vijaysen Reddy questioned the representatives of various government departments, saying, “The complainant is an MLA. What have you been doing since December 2024?” while reviewing the MLA’s petition.
The MLA sought the court’s direction for authorities to take action against alleged irregularities by construction firms. The judge also inquired why the MLA had not raised this issue in the assembly and why the focus was on just four firms. He further asked if there were no illegal constructions in Kamareddy.
The petitioner’s counsel clarified that even though the MLA belongs to the opposition and has limited representation, he had raised these concerns in the assembly and submitted requests to agencies like HYDRAA and HMDA, without any action being taken. He noted that a previously filed PIL was directed by the division bench to be converted into a writ, further delaying proceedings. “He has been opposing these illegal constructions since the laying of foundation stones,” the counsel explained.
The judge highlighted that the MLA did not require a majority in the assembly to raise issues, citing an example from the 1990s when a party with just two MPs included one who became the Prime Minister of India, emphasizing that it is courage, not numbers, that matters. He stated he held no prejudices.
Regarding the four firms, the counsel indicated that they were targeted due to serious violations, such as encroaching on lakes and public roads. The MLA is gathering data on similar violations in Kamareddy and is prepared to submit an affidavit if necessary.
After issuing notices to the state departments and construction companies, the court scheduled a further hearing for Oct 30.
