Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding the deplorable condition of a water tank, Golconda Fort, Hyderabad, Telangana, 05/06/2025
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In Re: News Item Titled "Neglected Katora Houz in Hyderabad’s Golconda Fort Cries for attention appearing in ‘The Siasat Daily’ dated 25 May 2025".
The application was registered suo-motu based on the news item titled “Neglected Katora Houz in Hyderabad’s Golconda Fort Cries for attention” appearing in ‘The Siasat Daily’ dated 25.05.2025. The news item relates to the poor condition of Katora Houz, a historic water tank located inside Hyderabad’s Golconda Fort. It states that the tank, which was once an important source of water, is now full of garbage and has no water left. The article also points out that the area surrounding the tank is facing increasing encroachments, which are further contributing to its deterioration. Furthermore, it mentions that although the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) conducted a 10-day cleanup operation in 2025 to remove water hyacinth and debris, the pool has since reverted to being a dumping ground.
The matter above seems to attract the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the court noted.
The NGT, June 5, 2025 directed notice to be issued to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB); Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC); Telangana State Pollution Control Board and District Magistrate, Hyderabad. The respondents have been directed to file their response / reply by way of affidavit. The Principal Bench of the NGT directed the matter to be listed before the southern bench of the NGT and the case will be next heard on August 6, 2025.