HYDERABAD: In a move aimed at thwarting attempts to encroach water bodies, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has requested the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to stop issuing property assessment numbers for any construction on Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer areas of lakes.
“Encroachers are constructing buildings and then obtaining property assessment numbers. We have written to GHMC asking them not to give property assessment numbers. We have also requested the town planning department not to grant construction permissions on lake FTLs and buffer zones,” HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath said.
In addition, HYDRAA plans to write to the Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Ltd (TGSPDCL) to withhold electricity connections for buildings on lakes, FTLs, and buffer zones, especially those without property assessment numbers. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) has also been asked not to provide water connections to these illegal constructions.
Ranganath emphasised that only agricultural activities are permitted in buffer zones for those holding pattas and no structures should be erected in these areas.
HYDRAA has also taken steps to develop two model lakes by restoring nalas to demonstrate the positive impact of clearing obstructions on water flow. “As part of this project, we are going to develop Thammidikunta where the N-Convention building was demolished, and another upstream lake to show how restoration can be achieved by clearing nalas. This will serve as a model for the rest of the city,” Ranganath said.
Highlighting the importance of lake restoration, he said, “If we create more space in lakes, they can hold millions of litres of water which is far more than what any rainwater harvesting pit can collect.” Ranganath clarified that no new constructions will be allowed in these areas, adding that old structures will also be demolished, with the only exception being residential buildings that have been occupied for a few years.
“We have already filed cases against officials who are abetting lake encroachers and more action will follow,” the HYDRAA commissioner said.
