Water pits for all buildings: High Court

The Hyderabad High Court on Thursday asked the GHMC and the state government to take steps to initiate stringent action against owners of buildings who had not constructed rainwater harvesting structures.

The bench asked the authorities to enumerate the buildings, individual houses, and commercial complexes that have water harvesting structures and prescribe a timeframe by giving an opportunity to the owners who had not constructed them to do the same.

The High Court bench suggested that the government form a committee to oversee the construction of water harvesting structures in every house,



apartment and commercial complex.

Mr D. Prakash Reddy, senior counsel appearing for the petitioner, city resident S. Vaidehi Reddy said the factual situation was contrary to the claims of the GHMC that several buildings including government complexes had harvesting pits.

The court said the committee should have periodical reviews and also examine whether owners had failed to construct the structures within the time granted and to take steps to disconnect their water supply. The Bench adjourned the case to June 20 while asking the GHMC to give wide publicity for construction of water harvesting structures.