Telangana high court converts TOI report on Chitkul tank into PIL

HYDERABAD: Telangana high court on Monday took up as a suo motu PIL the plight of Chitkul tank in Patancheru on the outskirts of Hyderabad where water was heavily contaminated due to unauthorised release of industrial effluents into it.

A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J Anil Kumar converted a TOI news item that brought out the tale of the tank where 10 tonnes of dead fish were found floating thanks to uninhabitable conditions.
The bench sought to know from the chief secretary and the authorities of animal husbandry, environment, revenue, TSPCB, and state legal services authority as to what steps are being initiated to revive the tank. The bench gave two weeks time and posted the case to July 16 for further hearing.
The bench said it took note of contents of the news report highlighting the grievances of locals on the release of industrial effluents and waste from Pashamylaram area into water bodies at Isnapur. These water bodies are interconnected and linked to Chitkul tank. Bench issued notices to authorities and sought replies on reasons for plight of the tank and solutions to restore it. PCB officials received complaints on the tank's pollution and are investigating it.