HYDRAA chief takes serious view of dumping of construction waste in lakes

Hyderabad Disaster Management & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) Commissioner A.V. Ranganath has taken a serious view of reports of building waste being dumped within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones of lakes, and ordered strict action against those altering the natural profile of water bodies.

Directing officials to prevent any further dumping by erecting fencing, Mr. Ranganath said the waste already dumped should be removed by those responsible, and criminal cases booked against them. Acting on complaints, he inspected Mella Cheruvu at Tellapur and Gandipet lake on Saturday.

At Mella Cheruvu, local residents showed the Commissioner, areas where waste was dumped within the FTL. He instructed offender Raju Yadav to immediately clear it from the FTL and buffer zone, warning of action if he fails to comply.

At Gandipet lake, the Commissioner took serious note of dumping towards Himayathnagar village, and directed one Khurshid, who was found to have filled the area with construction waste, to clear it within 72 hours.

Meanwhile, HYDRAA, in coordination with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), removed encroachments from a park measuring over two acres on Road No. 32 in Jubilee Hills on Saturday.

Following media reports that the park had been encroached upon and illegal structures had come up, Mr. Ranganath carried out a field inspection and ordered immediate clearance of the structures. He took a serious view of sheds put up by two neighbouring house owners for their watchman and cattle, and the installation of gates connecting their homes to the park.

Directing officials to remove the gates, build a compound wall and provide a main entrance so that the park is accessible to all, the Commissioner said public spaces will be protected at any cost.

Mr. Ranganath said steps would be taken to restore the historic Bulkapur nala, which carries rainwater to Hussainsagar, in view of complaints that it is being encroached upon in Manikonda.