From 50 acres to just 12: HYDRAA orders removal of soil dumped on Mushkin Lake in Manikonda

Hyderabad: In a move to protect Mushkin lake, HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath has ordered the immediate removal of soil dumped within the Full Tank Level (FTL) limits of the lake in Manikonda municipality, Ranga Reddy district.

He warned that criminal cases will be filed against those responsible if the soil and bund constructed are not removed by the end of August.

Complaint over shrinking lake area

Locals had complained that in the name of development, a bund was constructed within the FTL area, effectively dividing the lake and reducing its usable spread. HYDRAA conducted an inquiry on Friday at its office following these complaints.

CSR-funded real estate project under scrutiny

The inquiry was attended by representatives of Tattva Real Estate Company, which is developing the lake under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds and Dravansh NGO, which is executing the works.

From 50 acres to just 12 acres

Residents and Mushkin Lake Protection Committee members stated that while the lake originally spanned nearly 50 acres, the bund construction had confined it to merely 12 acres, severely affecting its ecosystem and storage capacity.

Commissioner’s stern warning

Expressing strong displeasure, Ranganath said dumping soil in the lake under the guise of development violates environmental norms.

He directed officials to ensure the soil is removed immediately, the lake is fully restored, and only then should any development activities continue. Failure to comply would invite strict legal action, he warned.