Special wing to protect water bodies in GHMC limits: KTR

Hyderabad: Telangana government has decided to set up a special wing for the protection and conservation of water bodies in GHMC limits.

This was stated by Municipal Administration Minister KTR during a review meeting with the GHMC officials at Buddha Bhavan on Sunday. Mayor Bonthu Rammohan, Principal Secretaries Arvind Kumar and Rajath Kumar were also present.

KTR said the government is coming up with an action plan on water bodies and nalas in GHMC limits along the Outer Ring Road.

The Minister said a special wing headed by Chief Engineer of Irrigation Department and a special commissioner from GHMC will be set up to protect the water bodies from encroachments and also take-up conservation measures.

KTR noted that all the lakes and nalas in Hyderabad city will be cleaned on a war footing.

A Task Force will be set up for the development of lakes and nalas. This Task Force will bring more coordination between departments. Officials from HMWSSB, HMDA, Revenue, Irrigation departments will be a part of this Task Force.

Minister stated that tougher laws will be incorporated in the new GHMC Act against encroachments of lakes and nalas.

KTR instructed the officials to conduct a detailed study on all the lakes and nalas in GHMC limits keeping in mind the damage caused by the recent floods in Hyderabad and neighboring municipalities.

The Minister asked the officials to strengthen and stabilize the bunds (embankments). He instructed the Municipal officials to closely work with the irrigation department to take up the study.