Hyderabad's Lakes Get a New Lease on Life: Revanth Reddy's Crusade Against Encroachment
Telangana CM's campaign to reclaim lake beds and water bodies from encroachers has been widely welcomed, but challenges remain
TelanganaHyderabadRevanth ReddyLake RestorationEncroachmentReal EstateAug 31, 2024
Tasking a newly-created Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) to clear encroachments, Telangana chief minister A. Revanth Reddy has launched a sustainable environment campaign to restore the lands of lakes, ponds, and other water bodies occupied by politicians, real-estate developers, business entities, and celebrities.
Beginning the demolition drive on June 27, HYDRAA pulled down 166 structures and reclaimed 43.94 acres of water bodies across Hyderabad by August 24, sending shivers down the spine of many who have brazenly ignored lake protection regulations to raise all kinds of constructions, ranging from slick public utilities to shanty homes for the poor.
The Hyderabad of yesteryears was known as the City of Lakes, the man-made Hussain Sagar in the heart of the city and the Himayatsagar and Osmansagar for decades serving as the perennial water supply sources even as the city evolved into a bustling metropolis by 2000.
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Sustainable lake restoration has several advantages in restoring the primary function of lakes regulating flood and storm water, mitigating urban flooding, ensuring recharge of groundwater, regulating the micro environment, minimising urban heat, and keeping the surroundings cool.
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Such is his commitment that Reddy says educational institutions will be given time to complete the academic year before clearing the encroachments. While it appears devoid of any political bias, at least in the early weeks of the demolition drive, it is to be seen whether, in the long run, the demolitions are even-handed.
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The government’s approach reflects its commitment to safeguarding the academic prospects of students while addressing the structural concerns of the institution.
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HYDRAA, which is turning to remote sensing data and other technological advances, has devised a plan to safeguard lakes by deploying virtual fencing and surveillance cameras since the physical barriers, warning signs and demarcations were destroyed by real-estate sharks and other vested interests, who built illegal structures.
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From the man on the street to circumspect environmental analysts, HYDRAA’s move is widely being welcomed, but expectedly with caveats.
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Environmental activist K. Purushotham Reddy cautions that while lake restoration and protection are welcome measures, these can be sustained only if Telangana’s people are made sensitive to ecological issues.
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Has Revanth Reddy bitten more than he can chew?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of the Telangana government's campaign?
The main objective of the campaign is to reclaim lake beds and water bodies from encroachers and restore the lands of lakes, ponds, and other water bodies.
What is HYDRAA and what is its role in the campaign?
HYDRAA is the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency, which has been tasked with clearing encroachments and restoring lake beds and water bodies.
How many structures have been demolished by HYDRAA so far?
HYDRAA has demolished 166 structures and reclaimed 43.94 acres of water bodies across Hyderabad by August 24.
What are the benefits of sustainable lake restoration?
Sustainable lake restoration has several advantages, including regulating flood and storm water, mitigating urban flooding, ensuring recharge of groundwater, regulating the micro environment, minimising urban heat, and keeping the surroundings cool.
What is the government's approach to dealing with educational institutions that are encroaching on lake beds?
The government has said that educational institutions will be given time to complete the academic year before clearing the encroachments.
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