NGT Orders Telangana Govt to Submit Pre-1950 Maps of Osman and Himayat Sagars

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Telangana State government to produce historical maps of the Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs dating back to before 1950, alongside current maps. This order aims to determine the extent of illegal encroachments on these critical water bodies. The directive came during hearings on a petition filed by activist Lubna Sarwath, who alleged significant discrepancies in official records and widespread tampering with map data. Sarwath highlighted a conflict between maps provided by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) and those published by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), noting a substantial difference in the reported Full Tank Level area. Despite previous complaints to authorities, no corrections were made. The petitioner also noted that hundreds of identified encroachments remain unremoved. While state counsel suggested including the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) as a respondent, Sarwath argued that the reservoirs remain under HMWSSB custody. The case underscores ongoing environmental concerns regarding urban expansion and asset protection in Hyderabad.