THRC orders remedial measures for pollution in Malkajgiri caused by unauthorized canteen
Hyderabad: The Telangana Human Rights Commission (THRC), under Justice Dr. Shamim Akhtar, has directed the Chief Secretary of Telangana to address the pollution caused by an unauthorized canteen, Mata Caterers, in Malkajgiri, Hyderabad.
The case was filed by residents of PVN Colony, who reported serious environmental and health concerns due to the canteen's operations. The complainants, Hubert Prazer, K. Srinivas, N. Vijayabhaskar Rao, and S. Sireesh, stated that the canteen was causing air, water, and land pollution, along with noise disturbances and a foul smell.
They also alleged unhygienic conditions and improper waste disposal, which posed health risks to the local community. Despite several complaints to local authorities, no action had been taken, prompting them to approach the Commission.
In its judgment dated 8th July 2025, the Commission expressed dissatisfaction with the response from the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB). The Board had submitted a report from its Environmental Engineer, stating that the canteen did not fall under the Board’s jurisdiction and that the issue should be handled by local municipal authorities.
The Commission disagreed with this stance, noting that the Pollution Control Board is primarily responsible for preventing and controlling environmental pollution. It criticized the Board for shifting the responsibility to local authorities, especially when the pollution was directly affecting the residents' fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment, protected under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The Commission explained that the TGPCB’s failure to independently address the pollution violated the residents’ human rights. It pointed out that environmental degradation in residential areas impacts the right to health, clean air, and the right to live with dignity. The Commission called for immediate action to rectify the situation and safeguard these rights.
The Commission then recommended that the Chief Secretary of Telangana ensure a qualified expert examines the issue and takes necessary action to mitigate the pollution caused by the canteen. The government was given two months to implement remedial measures to address the air, water, and land pollution in PVN Colony.
The Commission stressed that swift action is necessary to resolve the ongoing problem and protect the well-being of the residents. With this recommendation, the Commission closed the proceedings of the case.
