We expect a proactive PCB, not an inactive PCB: Telangana High Court

A two judge PIL Bench of the Telangana High Court comprising Acting Chief Justice M S Ramachandra Rao and Justice T Vinod Kumar on Wednesday granted time to all stakeholders to respond with positive suggestions to deal with the Ganesh nimarjan challenge in the context of both lake pollution and Covid.

The panel is hearing a contempt case filed by Mamidi Venumadhav relating to an earlier order pertaining to the immersion of Ganesh idols in the Hussain Sagar Lake. The panel threw up a volley of questions to the Pollution Control Board. 

“We expect a proactive PCB, not an inactive PCB”, the Acting Chief Justice said. Dealing with the various guidelines relied upon by the PCB, the Acting Chief Justice wondered as to what action was taken when the guidelines/advisories were not being followed.

Factors such as hues of colours and plaster of paris in the making of ganesh idols were focused upon. Harender Prasad, Special Government Pleader brought to the notice of the court various initiatives taken by the government including distribution of 50,000 clay idols and ensuring decentralisation of dates and lakes for the immersion of the idols. The Bench made



it clear that its intervention was only to help the State effectively handle multiple challenges. The panel pointed out that it would “like to strengthen the hands of the government”.

The Acting Chief Justice, pointing out to the pandals being raised at road centres, illegal drawls of power and high decibel noises of pandals, appreciated the police department for maintaining Covid protocols. Senior counsel L Ravichander appearing for the Ganesh Utsav Committee pointed out that the Committee was also sensitive to the various issues raised and added that they were substantially on the same page. 

The Acting Chief Justice asked him to also impress upon the Samithi the need to maintain social distancing in view of Third wave predictions. “Any suggestion for effective implementation of ensuring non-pollution and non-spread of the Covid, is welcome”, the panel said.

Justice T Vinod Kumar questioned as to how heavy traffic can be policed. The panel also questioned the GHMC whether the recent beautification of the tank bund will be undone to facilitate movement of tractors, cranes, and so on.