Prajavani: How Alwal Kotha Cheruvu is being gradually encroached within FTL limits

Hyderabad: Local residents have complained to HYDRAA that Alwal Kotha Cheruvu in Medchal–Malkajgiri district was facing rampant encroachments within its Full Tank Level (FTL) limits.

Locals alleged that plastic recycling units were operating inside the lake’s notified boundaries, with plastic waste being burnt intermittently, leading to severe air and water pollution.

Residents from nearby colonies, including Madhuranagar and Surya Avenue, urged authorities to immediately remove the illegal structures and take steps to safeguard the lake, which serves as a critical water body for the surrounding residential areas.

Pollution threat to surrounding colonies

According to the complainants, burning of plastic waste by recycling units has resulted in toxic fumes spreading across residential neighbourhoods, posing serious health and environmental risks. They warned that continued industrial activity within the lake’s FTL could permanently damage the water body and worsen flooding during the monsoon season.

Multiple encroachment complaints at Prajavani

The Alwal lake issue was among 37 complaints received during the Prajavani public grievance programme conducted by Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Monday. The grievances included encroachments on lakes, nalas, parks, roads, and other public utility spaces across Hyderabad and its outskirts.

Layout roads and plots allegedly altered in Pasumamula

In another complaint, representatives of the Krishna Nagar Welfare Association from Pasumamula village in Abdullapurmet mandal (Rangareddy district) alleged that neighbouring landowners had encroached nearly 50 feet into their approved layout.

As a result, boundaries of 41 plots were affected, and a 25-foot-wide road had disappeared, they said, demanding restoration of the layout as per sanctioned plans.

Park, road, and nala encroachments in Secunderabad

Residents of Vijaya Vihar Enclave in MachaBollaram, Secunderabad, complained that both a children’s park and internal roads were being encroached upon. They further alleged that a stormwater drain had been occupied and construction was underway, warning that failure to stop the activity could lead to severe flooding during the monsoon.

Flood channel between Gangaram and Ameenpur lakes blocked

Representatives of the CPI(M) alleged that the floodwater channel connecting Gangaram Cheruvu to Ameenpur Cheruvu, near Chandanagar police station in Serilingampally mandal, had been encroached upon. According to the complaint, slabs were laid over the nala and permanent structures were being raised, obstructing natural water flow.

Bus terminal land allegedly encroached in Hastinapuram

Members of the Venkateshwara Colony Welfare Association in Hastinapuram, under LB Nagar municipality, alleged that land earmarked for a city bus terminal has been illegally occupied using forged documents.

They stated that 1,200 square yards had been reserved during the original layout planning to ensure public transport access, but outsiders were now claiming ownership. Residents appealed to HYDRAA to protect the bus terminal land meant to serve multiple neighbouring colonies.

All the complaints were reviewed by the Additional Commissioner of HYDRAA, R. Sudarshan, who directed concerned officials to examine each case and initiate remedial action.