Hyderabad: Cleaning Up and Protecting Lakes
The Hyderabad Disaster Response Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRA) has started working on improving the condition of lakes in the city. After carrying out demolitions near lakes, they are now focusing on cleaning up the debris that has gathered around these water bodies.
HYDRA has launched a major effort to restore lakes by removing illegal structures built in the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones. They have also sent notices to property owners, asking them to clear away the waste from demolished buildings.
One of the lakes being cleaned is Errakunta Lake in the Nizampet municipality. In August, HYDRA took action by demolishing three five-storey buildings that were under construction in the lake’s FTL area. Now, the agency is busy removing the remaining debris from the site.
Officials say the cleanup at Errakunta Lake will be finished in the next three days. HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath is leading the efforts to improve the lake’s condition, focusing on the health of the water and its surrounding environment. Local residents are happy with these efforts and are supporting the cleanup.
HYDRA is also taking steps to preserve lakes and water bodies by carefully documenting their locations and history. They are using photos and maps from the National Remote Sensing Department to ensure accurate records. It has been found that about 85% of the encroachments on these lakes have received construction permits.
Given this situation, HYDRA officials have decided that demolition is not always the best solution. Instead, they are focusing on preserving and protecting existing lakes. In November, they plan to start beautification projects around lakes across the city.
However, some families affected by the demolitions are demanding compensation. Owners of demolished homes near Sunnam Cheruvu in Madhapur and Erla Cheruvu in Madinaguda, Hafizpet division, are asking the government to compensate them for their losses. Despite providing proper documents, their homes were demolished, and they claim they have been left homeless with no compensation.
