Activist Urges Immediate Himayathsagar Action
Hyderabad, Himayathsagar, Encroachments, Lubna Sarwath, HYDRA, Telangana, FTL, Afforestation, Reservoir Protection, Illegal Structures
Hyderabad activist Lubna Sarwath calls on Telangana Chief Minister and HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath to address encroachments in Himayathsagar’s Full Tank Level (FTL) and afforestation zones. She highlights the need for immediate demolition of illegal structures and preservation of vital water resources.
Hyderabad Activist Demands Action to Clear Encroachments from Himayathsagar Full Tank Level
In Hyderabad, prominent activist Lubna Sarwath has raised a serious alarm regarding the encroachments within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and afforestation foreshore zone of the Himayathsagar drinking water reservoir. Her recent appeal to Telangana’s Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath comes amid ongoing efforts by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRA) to remove illegal encroachments across various lake beds in the region.
Sarwath’s letter, dated August 27, 2024, brings to light the issue of concrete structures that have been unlawfully erected in the FTL area of Himayathsagar, a key drinking water reservoir. These encroachments not only violate environmental regulations but also jeopardize the integrity and sustainability of the city’s water resources.
In her communication, Sarwath references a comprehensive analysis based on several authoritative sources, including the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) satellite maps with cadastral layers, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) Master Plan 2031, Google Earth imagery, and the Dharani land portal. According to her findings, a significant portion of the Kotwalguda Village in Shamsabad Mandal, Ranga Reddy district, falls under the afforestation foreshore zone of the Himayathsagar reservoir, while some parts are within the FTL.
Sarwath has attached satellite images to her complaint, which visually demonstrate the extent of illegal concretization in these protected areas. She condemns these activities as “totally illegal” and criticizes the previous KCR-KTR government for failing to address such violations. Instead of addressing the encroachments, she notes, the previous administration opted to lift flood gates and release precious drinking water to prevent flooding, further exacerbating the problem.
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRA) has been active in recent months, reclaiming over 40 acres of land through the demolition of illegal structures. This effort includes properties linked to leaders from Congress, BJP, and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). Sarwath’s appeal arrives at a critical juncture, urging the agency to continue its crackdown on illegal encroachments with renewed vigor.
In her letter, Sarwath makes a direct appeal to both the Chief Minister and the HYDRA Commissioner. She requests that the encroachers be held responsible for their actions by personally demolishing and removing the illegal constructions and contributing to the afforestation efforts as mandated by law. This, she argues, is crucial for the protection of Hyderabad’s water resources and the preservation of the environment.
Sarwath’s call to action highlights the broader issue of land encroachments and their impact on urban water bodies. The Himayathsagar reservoir, established to serve as a crucial source of drinking water for the city, is facing mounting pressure from illegal construction activities. Such encroachments not only diminish the reservoir’s capacity but also compromise the ecological balance of the surrounding areas.
The ongoing efforts by HYDRA to address similar issues across the city underscore the importance of vigilant monitoring and enforcement of land use regulations. As the agency continues its operations, the case of Himayathsagar serves as a potent reminder of the need for comprehensive and sustained action to protect Hyderabad’s natural resources.
The response from the Telangana government and HYDRA will be closely watched by environmentalists and residents alike. The outcome of this appeal could set a significant precedent for how the city handles future encroachments and manages its vital water resources.
The information provided in this article is based on current reports and public records. The views expressed by the activist do not necessarily reflect those of the Telangana government or HYDRA. The accuracy of satellite images and other data referenced should be verified with the appropriate authorities.