Mosquito menace grows as sewage floods Hyderabad lakes; 28 complaints at HYDRAA phone-in

Hyderabad: Large volumes of untreated sewage are flowing into several city lakes, rendering them foul-smelling and unfit for public use, residents complained during HYDRAA’s phone-in programme on Saturday.

The unchecked inflow, coupled with the spread of water hyacinth and stagnation, has turned many water bodies into mosquito breeding hubs, raising serious health and environmental concerns.

Responding to the grievances, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath suggested the establishment of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to prevent the mixing of sewage into lakes and emphasised the urgent need to restore and protect water bodies to curb flooding and improve urban ecology.

28 complaints received in phone-in

A total of 28 complaints were received from different parts of the city during the programme. The Commissioner interacted directly with callers, listened to their concerns, and assured that all issues would be examined on the ground and necessary action initiated at the earliest.

Many residents appealed to HYDRAA to include their local lakes in the list of water bodies being taken up for development.

Pleas to protect lakes from encroachments

Encroachments in and around lakes and parks were a major concern raised by citizens.

A resident from Ramanthapur alleged that constructions were coming up within the Full Tank Level (FTL) limits of Chinna Cheruvu and sought immediate intervention to halt the works and protect the lake.

In Bachupally (Survey No. 54), a caller pointed out that nearly three acres of land listed under the prohibited category should be safeguarded and utilised for public purposes.

Colony representatives from Vajra Enclave in Old Alwal (Jonnabanda) complained about encroachments of park spaces and road obstructions affecting residents.

Civic and housing voncerns

Residents of Vambay housing in LB Nagar alleged that some ground-floor occupants had merged parking areas and constructed additional rooms, depriving other residents of common parking space. They urged authorities to remove the unauthorised structures.

In HAL Colony, locals requested development of Kharman Kunta, where sewage inflow has led to excessive weed growth and foul conditions.

Similarly, residents of Hill County in Nizampet sought development of Pattikunta Lake, stating that despite having road access on all four sides, the lake remains neglected and emits a foul odour.

Citizens also called for the development of Nallagandla Lake to make it usable for the public.

Illegal activities flagged

A complaint was received regarding alleged illegal parking operations on land earmarked for the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation near Lower Tank Bund.

Field inspection and action promised

Commissioner A.V. Ranganath assured that all 28 complaints would be taken up for field-level verification. He reiterated HYDRAA’s commitment to protecting lakes, preventing encroachments, and strengthening urban infrastructure to ensure sustainable development in the city.