Preventing drinking water pollution collective responsibility, says Telangana high court

Hyderabad: The Telangana high court on Monday observed that preventing drinking water pollution is a collective responsibility of all govt departments and a critical issue affecting public health.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin, stressed the need to ensure 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. The court was hearing a PIL based on a letter, which in turn was based on a report titled ‘City’s lifelines turning toxic pools’ published in TOI on Oct 14, 2025.

The court observed that other departments cannot remain indifferent by claiming that the issue falls solely within the jurisdiction of the HMWSSB. It directed all departments concerned, including the 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.

State counsels argued that the water board oversees the water supply from both reservoirs and informed the court that a counter had was 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. 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.