Urgent Action Needed to Protect Lakes

Urgent Action Needed to Protect Lakes

Urgent Action Needed to Protect Hyderabad’s Lakes

Encroachment of lakes and nalas in Hyderabad’s Rajendranagar and Bandlaguda areas is posing a severe threat to nearby residential colonies, with the risk of flooding becoming increasingly alarming. Social activist Dr. Lubna Sarwath has called for the urgent intervention of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Hyderabad Disaster Response, Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRAA) Commissioner A.V. Ranganath to address this issue and protect these vital water bodies.

Encroachment Threatens Key Lakes

Dr. Lubna Sarwath has been actively campaigning against the illegal encroachment of lakes such as Surram Cheruvu in Bandlaguda, Palle Cheruvu in Rajendranagar, and Yerrakunta in Shaheen Nagar. In a video released on August 20, 2024, she highlighted the encroachments that are contributing to the flooding of nearby colonies. These areas, including Nabeel Colony, Habeeb Colony, and Mohammed Nagar, were severely affected during the 2020 floods due to the encroachment of Yerrakunta’s nala.

Legal Battles and Ongoing Issues

Dr. Sarwath has taken legal action to protect these lakes, filing cases in Lokayukta and the High Court. She has alleged that illegal plotting and construction have occurred within the full tank level (FTL) and buffer zones of Palle Cheruvu. Additionally, high-rise buildings have been constructed inside Surram Cheruvu without proper permissions, further exacerbating the risk of flooding.

Understanding the Flooding Mechanism

Dr. Sarwath explained the mechanism of flooding in these areas, stating that water flows from Balapur Cheruvu and Shukur Sagar, which are located upstream of Yerrakunta and Surram Cheruvu. This water travels through Umdasagar’s outflow channel, passing through Dabeerpura and Reinbazaar before joining the Musi River. The encroachment of the nala near Palle Cheruvu, which has almost disappeared due to unauthorized constructions, has turned the entire area into a flood-prone zone.

Impact of 2020 Floods

During the 2020 floods, the Gurram Cheruvu near Salala Barkas was filled to capacity. Instead of properly managing the situation by operating the tank’s sluice, the then chief engineer broke the weir to protect the encroachments, causing further damage. Dr. Sarwath also pointed out that a lake near Millath Nagar in Rajendranagar has vanished from records, raising concerns about the accuracy of official data and the effectiveness of disaster management efforts.

Recent Heavy Rains and Rising Concerns

The recent heavy downpour has already led to a massive inflow of water into the areas around Palle Cheruvu and Yerrakunta, putting residents at risk. Dr. Sarwath reported that locals who questioned the encroachment of the nala were threatened by the encroachers, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Urgent Action Needed to Protect Lakes

Call for Immediate Action

Dr. Sarwath has urged the HYDRAA Commissioner and the Chief Minister, who is the chairperson of HYDRAA, to take immediate action to revive and protect these lakes. She warned that with September and October, typically the peak of the monsoon season, still to come, the risk of flooding is high. She also mentioned receiving numerous calls about landfilling activities at Jalpally Cheruvu, further indicating the ongoing threat to Hyderabad’s water bodies.

The Need for Sustainable Solutions

The encroachment of lakes in Hyderabad not only threatens the safety of residents but also jeopardizes the city’s ecological balance. It is crucial that the authorities act swiftly to clear illegal structures, restore the natural flow of water, and implement long-term solutions to prevent such issues from recurring. The protection of these lakes is not just a matter of disaster management but also of preserving Hyderabad’s environmental heritage.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on the latest reports and statements from concerned parties. Readers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for updates on the situation.

 

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What is Hydra in Hyderabad?
HYDERABAD: Under-construction projects belonging to Greenko Group, Oro Sports Village, and Palamuru Grill were among 20 illegal structures worth crores of rupees that were razed by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRA) on Sunday
Which disasters are covered under State Disaster Response Fund?
State Disaster Response Fund

SDRF shall be used only for meeting the expenditure for providing immediate relief to the victims. Disaster (s) covered under SDRF: Cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloudburst, pest attack, frost and cold waves
What is the full name of Hydra?
The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna (Ancient Greek: Λερναῖα ὕδρα, romanized: Lernaîa Húdrā), more often known simply as the Hydra, is a serpentine lake monster in Greek mythology and Roman mythology. Its lair was the lake of Lerna in the Argolid, which was also the site of the myth of the Danaïdes.