Hyderabad: The Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) has stressed that restoring lakes and water bodies can only happen if the dumping of construction and demolition waste in lake areas is stopped. G Ravi, the board’s member secretary, highlighted the need to prevent industrial waste and sewage from flowing into lakes without proper treatment.
A meeting was held to discuss lake protection and the rejuvenation of water bodies. It was jointly chaired by HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath and G Ravi. They emphasized that the quality of water in lakes is just as important as the amount of water. Both HYDRA and TGPCB will work together to protect water quality.
To improve the situation, it was decided that real-time monitoring of water quality will be introduced. Illegal dumping will be stopped by imposing fines and seizing vehicles used for such activities. Ranganath said there will be more inspections, and stricter penalties will be enforced for not following environmental rules.
The meeting also discussed involving educational institutions, research bodies, NGOs, and local communities in the effort to protect lakes. They plan to encourage more collaboration on a large scale for all identified lakes. The officials warned that strong action will be taken against anyone violating environmental laws, especially large real estate developers. These violators will not be allowed to discharge untreated waste into water bodies.
