Telangana High Court Halts Controversial STP Construction Near Hyderabad, Mandates Relocation Review
Hyderabad, September 30, 2025 – The Telangana High Court has ordered an immediate halt to the construction of a controversial 36.50 million liters per day (MLD) sewage treatment plant (STP) in Gandhamguda, Ranga Reddy district, near Hyderabad, citing environmental and public health concerns. The court's directive, issued on September 26 by Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy, also mandates a time-bound review to explore alternative sites for the facility, marking a significant victory for local residents and environmentalists advocating for the preservation of urban green spaces.
The decision follows a series of petitions filed by the Gandhamguda Colony Welfare Association, Gandhamguda Apartments Owners' Welfare Association, and environmental groups, who argued that the proposed STP, located on 6 acres and 20 guntas of government land in a densely populated residential area, would jeopardize the health of over 3,000 families. Concerns include potential groundwater contamination, persistent foul odors, and the loss of vital green spaces near schools and women’s hostels. "This ruling is a lifeline for our community and our environment," said Priya Sharma, a lead petitioner and member of the Green Hyderabad Initiative. "We’re fighting for clean air and safe spaces for our children."
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) had initiated the STP project as part of the National Mission for Clean Ganga to address Hyderabad’s growing sewage management needs, estimated to reach 1,500 MLD by 2030. However, the site selection sparked immediate opposition. On July 8, 2024, local MLA T. Raja Singh urged authorities to convert the land into a children’s park, a stance echoed by Chevella MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy in a letter dated September 10, 2025. Public protests and a petition with over 1,200 signatures further amplified the call for relocation.
In its ruling, the court criticized the project’s environmental impact assessment (EIA) as "inadequate" and ordered the HMWSSB to justify the site selection while exploring less populated alternatives, such as areas near Shankarpally or Shamshabad. "Urban planning must prioritize public welfare over expediency," Justice Reddy stated, emphasizing the need for a transparent review process. The court has maintained a status quo on all construction activities, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for October 15, 2025.
HMWSSB officials expressed disappointment but pledged compliance. "The STP is critical for Hyderabad’s infrastructure, but we respect the court’s order and are actively scouting alternative locations," said an HMWSSB spokesperson. The project, budgeted at ₹150 crore and 15% complete, now faces delays as the board conducts fresh surveys.
Environmentalists have celebrated the ruling as a precedent for sustainable urban development. The Telangana Environmental Protection Forum (TEPF) launched a viral campaign, #SaveGandhamgudaGreen, which has garnered over 5,000 social media shares since September 28. "This is a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritize green spaces over poorly planned projects," tweeted TEPF’s Ravi Kumar. Residents are planning a community-led cleanup on October 4 to transform the site into a temporary park, signaling their resolve to protect the area.
The case highlights Hyderabad’s broader struggle to balance rapid urbanization with environmental sustainability, as air quality remains a concern and green spaces dwindle. With the court’s deadline looming, the state faces pressure to deliver a solution that aligns with both infrastructure goals and the public’s demand for a healthier, greener city.
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