Citizens send SOS to HYDRAA for removing 1,000 alleged encroachments on Fox Sagar lake at Jeedimetla
The demand was among 76 complaints received on Monday at the Prajavani grievance redressal programme of HYDRAA
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Fox Sagar Lake (File Photo)
Hyderabad: Citizens have sent an SOS to HYDRAA demanding the removal of more than 1,000 alleged encroachments around Fox Sagar Lake in Jeedimetla Industrial Area.
They urged HYDRAA to develop the lake on the lines of a `Mini Tank Bund’.
Urging restoration of the flood canal connecting Fox Sagar Lake directly to Hussain Sagar, people said reviving the lake would support fishermen’s livelihoods and significantly improve the surrounding environment.
The demand was among 76 complaints received on Monday at the Prajavani grievance redressal programme of HYDRAA, reflecting growing public pressure for protection and rejuvenation of lakes, roads, and other public assets across Hyderabad and its outskirts.
Push to restore urban lakes
Inspired by the successful transformation of several lakes into recreational and tourism hubs, citizens from different parts of the city urged authorities to undertake similar development works in their localities.
Petitioners sought removal of encroachments, revival of feeder canals, and restoration of lakes as clean freshwater bodies, recalling their historic role in groundwater recharge, irrigation, and livelihoods.
Residents specifically referred to the makeover of lakes such as Batukamma Kunta in Amberpet, Nalla Cheruvu in Kukatpally, and Bum-Rukn-ud-Daula Lake in the Old City, and appealed for comparable initiatives for neglected water bodies.
Fisherfolk seek protection of livelihoods
In Rangareddy district’s Abdullapurmet mandal, locals from Gaurrelli village urged immediate restoration of Malakunta Lake (Survey No. 223). They alleged that the lake bund had been damaged and water diverted to facilitate encroachments.
Fisherfolk said their livelihoods had been severely affected and demanded reconstruction of the bund, removal of cement pipelines laid inside the lake, and demarcation of the Full Tank Level (FTL) with boundary stones to prevent further encroachment.
Road and park encroachments flagged
Apart from lake-related issues, several complaints highlighted encroachments on layout roads and public parks. Residents of CMC Layout in Kondapur complained that gravel and soil dumping have blocked the CC road, which is hampering traffic.
They sought immediate restoration, noting that the road serves as a crucial link to the main arterial route. Similarly, plot owners from Balaji Layout in Pedda Amberpet village alleged that a 40-foot road connecting to the ORR service road had been encroached upon, with permanent structures erected, leaving several plots without access.
Commissioner reviews complaints
HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath reviewed all 76 grievances and directed concerned officials to take responsibility for redressal in the presence of complainants. He assured that select complaints would be verified through field inspections and appropriate action would be initiated.
The HYDRAA Commissioner also reiterated that protecting lakes, roads, and other public spaces from encroachment remains a priority, underlining the administration’s commitment to sustainable urban development and ecological conservation.
