Home / Environment / Hyderabad's Lifelines Turn Toxic Pools
Hyderabad's Lifelines Turn Toxic Pools
24 Feb
Summary
- Twin reservoirs face alarming pollution from industrial waste and sewage.
- High court demands swift action on reservoir contamination.
- Water quality severely degraded, posing health risks to citizens.
The Telangana high court has voiced grave concern over the severe pollution plaguing Hyderabad's Himayatsagar and Osmansagar reservoirs. Research indicates these crucial water sources have become toxic pools due to untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural run-off, rendering the water undrinkable.
During a public interest litigation hearing, a division bench questioned government officials about their accountability in managing waste discharge and ensuring potable water supply. The court has mandated that concerned departments, including the irrigation, HMWS&SB, and Pollution Control Board, file comprehensive responses within four weeks. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and the Municipal Administration and Urban Development department must also submit affidavits detailing measures taken to curb sewage inflow.
The bench stressed the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in consuming safe water and warned of fines if authorities fail to address the issue by the next hearing, scheduled for March 23. A TOI report from October 2025, referencing research from Maulana Azad National Urdu University, initially highlighted the escalating contamination crisis.
