HC Seeks Details on Rock Blasting Permits in City Amid PIL Hearing

Quick Summary

• The Telangana High Court raised a query on Thursday regarding wich officer or government wing is empowered to permit rock blasting in Hyderabad.
• A Bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin took up a suo motu PIL petition based on a newspaper report published in 2024.
• Notices were issued to the government concerning ongoing rock blasting operations near Nyaya Vihar (HC judge quarters) at Jubilee Hills.
• The court asked for clarity within two weeks about the competent authority for granting permission for such activities.
• The CJ remarked that Hyderabad is known for its unique rock formations and emphasized assessing implications of hillock razing, not just locally but across Telangana.
• Dissatisfaction was expressed by the Bench regarding the government’s response so far, urging better assistance from authorities like the Mines and Geology Department to understand consequences.
• Additional Advocate General Mohammed Imran Khan assured that a counter affidavit would be submitted within two weeks, with further hearing scheduled for September 16.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The High Court’s inquiry into who has authority over rock blasting permissions highlights questions of regulatory clarity and accountability surrounding urban development in Telangana.Hyderabad’s iconic rock formations are not only geological landmarks but part of its cultural and environmental fabric. Their removal could have important ecological consequences, possibly altering local biodiversity and landscape stability.

This case brings up broader concerns about balancing urbanization needs with environmental preservation-a recurring challenge faced by rapidly growing cities like Hyderabad. If no clear framework exists, policymaking may need revision to ensure that decisions are made transparently while considering public interest. Additionally, involving departments like Mines and Geology can provide expertise crucial to understanding real-world impacts before irreversible actions occur.

The HC’s dissatisfaction signals urgency toward addressing this ‘grey area’ in governance structures-a move that could lead to greater accountability in handling sensitive civic issues going forward.

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