The Jalpally Lake in Rangareddy has been severely affected by pollution and encroachment. Many industries and land developers have taken advantage of the weak Irrigation department and have been exploiting the water bodies in the area. The lake, which is the largest in the municipality, has been encroached upon from almost all sides. Officials have turned a blind eye to this issue, allowing land grabbers to take over the water bodies for years.
The lake is located in the Jalpally municipality and shares boundaries with Laxmiguda, Bandlaguda, and Jalpally village. Nearby polluting units have been dumping harmful materials like foam and plastic on the lake’s banks and setting them on fire to avoid getting caught. This has caused thick smoke to fill the surrounding area, making it difficult for people passing by. Additionally, some land developers are dumping construction debris within the lake area to dry it up and claim the land later.
Abdul Bari, the working president of the Congress Party in the municipality, reveals that the lake area has been encroached upon by land sharks with the help of municipal officials. They operate with impunity, using fake documents and evading the law. The situation is worsened by incidents of cattle deaths in the area as cows and buffalos graze near the lake and consume plastic waste.
Jahangir Khan from Pahadi Shareef agrees that the weak irrigation department is unable to stop land sharks from encroaching upon water bodies in Jalpally. The officials only report the incidents to authorities like the municipality, revenue department, and police, but the land developers escape punishment due to loopholes in the legal system.
The situation at Jalpally Lake is dire, with pollution and encroachment causing harm to both the environment and local communities. It is crucial for stronger measures to be taken to protect these water bodies and hold those responsible accountable.
