HYDRAA Phone-in: Citizens seek lake restoration, action on encroachments in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Several city residents on Saturday appealed to the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) to restore polluted lakes and protect public lands, during a special phone-in programme with HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath.

Responding to the concerns, the Commissioner assured that lake development and anti-encroachment measures are being implemented in a phased manner.

36 grievances heard in one hour

During the one-hour programme, the HYDRAA Commissioner spoke to 36 complainants, assured time-bound action, and reiterated that protecting lakes, parks, and public lands remains a top priority.

“Sewage, Stench and Mosquito Menace”

Residents from different parts of the city complained that untreated sewage was flowing into lakes, leading to foul smell, excessive growth of water hyacinth, and severe mosquito problems.

“We are forced to keep our doors and windows shut day and night due to unbearable stench and mosquitoes. Please stop sewage inflow and develop our lakes,” several callers told the Commissioner.

Citizens also appreciated HYDRA for introducing the Saturday phone-in programme in addition to the weekly Monday Prajavani grievance forum, stating that it helped people who could not personally visit the HYDRAA office.

Direct interaction With Commissioner

The phone-in programme was held from 12 noon to 1 pm on Saturday, during which the Commissioner personally interacted with complainants, listened to their grievances, and provided details of the officials concerned for follow-up.

He advised complainants to contact him directly if their issues were not resolved within a week. Citizens were asked to call 040-29565750 or 040-29565759 on Saturdays (except holidays) to register grievances.

Focus on lake development

Some calls were also received from districts outside Hyderabad, reporting encroachments on lakes. The Commissioner clarified that HYDRAA’s jurisdiction extends up to the Outer Ring Road (ORR).

He informed that development works have already begun on six lakes in the first phase, and plans are in place to take up 14 more lakes shortly, as part of a phased lake rejuvenation programme.

Rising complaints on encroachments

A large number of complaints related to encroachments on lakes, parks, roads, footpaths, government lands, and public utility spaces. Citizens said lakes had lost their natural character and demanded urgent restoration.

Specific complaints included:

Roads being encroached and converted into plots in Gagillapur under Dundigal municipality

Attempts to construct a temple inside a park near Pragathi Nagar

Stalled diversion canal works preventing sewage inflow into Nagireddy Kunta

Traffic disruption near Sunnam Cheruvu, Madhapur, due to parked water tankers

Allegations against large construction companies for diverting stormwater drains and encroaching on public land

Encroachment of 33 guntas of government land and 900 square yards of park land in Attapur

Residents urged HYDRAA to take strict action and not show any leniency towards encroachers.