Hyderabad: Telangana high court on Tuesday sought answers from both the state and central govts over ongoing construction activity around KBR Park, even as it declined to halt the works for now. The court signalled the need for a closer scrutiny of whether the activity falls within permissible limits in an eco-sensitive zone.A bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin directed both govts to place their stand on record and file additional affidavits, if required, while hearing a batch of petitions, including a PIL initiated through a letter addressed to the Chief Justice by the TOI editor in 2016. One of the petitioners alleged that the construction activity was undertaken in violation of Supreme Court guidelines on eco-sensitive buffer zones and without any public hearing, despite earlier directions from the high court. The bench asked the petitioner to undertake research on the nature of activities that are prohibited, regulated, or permissible within the buffer zone of the eco-sensitive zone. The bench, in its observations, sought clarity on whether the works undertaken near KBR Park fall under prohibited activities such as mining or construction of reservoirs and barrages, or regulated activities like roads and pavements. “The petitioner’s allegations should also be considered. The photos submitted show pavement works which could be a permissible activity. If such structures are not repaired, it would harm the citizens,” the bench said. Poser on tree fellingThe court also asked whether any tree felling had taken place. In response, P Sree Ramya, counsel in one of the PILs, said she was not aware of any such activity but maintained that large-scale construction was underway with substantial funds allocated, and urged the court to grant status quo. Clarifying that it would focus only on necessary issues and not be guided by apprehensions, the bench adjourned the matter. Earlier, Sree Ramya argued that unabated construction activity on the pavements is continuing even as the eco-sensitive zone notification of 2020 for the park remains under challenge in the writ petitions. She also submitted photographs of the ongoing works to support her claims. ‘Adhering to HC directions’In response, advocate general A Sudarshan Reddy, appearing for the state, admitted that construction work is underway near the park, but said it is being carried out in compliance with high court directions issued in 2021 in a connected case. He sought time to place the state’s detailed response on record.Further responding to the petitioner’s claim that traffic concerns were cited as a reason for the works, Sudarshan Reddy said, “Traffic jams around the park are also an environmental hazard.” Meanwhile, additional solicitor general of India B Narasimha Sharma sought time to obtain the Union govt’s response.
