HYDERABAD: Latest in a string of water bodies that have fallen prey to encroachment are three lakes in Tellapur — Mella Cheruvu, Vanam Cheruvu, and Chelli Kunta. The trio is facing the imminent threat of extinction due to extensive encroachment along its banks. Additionally, sewage from residential areas upstream, including Tellapur and Nallagandla, is also flowing in the lakes collectively shrinking them to 10 acres.
Previously, they covered an area of over 45 acres. Residents blame the absence of adequate underground drainage infrastructure for the three prominent lakes turning into cesspools.
“With Tellapur emerging as one of the fastest-growing locales in the Hyderabad metropolitan region given its proximity to the IT hub and ORR, concerns mount over the environmental degradation caused by unchecked sewage discharge from uncontrolled encroachments. This discharge is coming from the gated communities, commercial establishments of the surrounding area, while some of these establishments are thriving right on its buffer zone,” said Ramana Eshwaragari, president of the Tellapur neighbourhood association.
According to records of Telangana State Control Board, these lakes are not even notified by the authorities. Residents of Tellapur have voiced their grievances to the state government, GHMC, revenue department and HMWSSB on multiple occasions, but to no avail. They have appealed for a comprehensive survey to delineate lake boundaries, construction of protective walls, and implementation of a proper drainage system.
“The revenue department did visit the lake last month. They also ordered an enquiry while marking the Full Tank Level (FTL) of the lakes. However, they did not remove any encroachment or even the debris and soil that was dumped to encroach the water surface area. These debris are blocking the nalas that are responsible for the outflow and inflow of the lake, accumulating all the pollutants and sewage at one place,” added Eshwargiri.
Residents also rue how apart from government bodies, three corporates, which had adopted the lake in the past, have turned their back on these dying water bodies. In a duly signed memorandum of understanding in 2022 between HMDA, GHMC and three corporates — Aparna Infra Housing, Aliens Developers and Anuhar Homes — it was stated: “The development, without granting any legal rights or exclusivity, inter alia includes development and strengthening of bunds, landscaping, greenery, lighting, walking track, street furniture and installation of play equipment for children.”
When TOI reached out to these firms, they refused to comment. An official of revenue department said that an enquiry is under process.
