Save Gangaram, Eerla lakes: HYDRAA boss Ranganath cautions against reducing FTL limits

Hyderabad: Calling for strict protection of buffer zones and adjoining government lands, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath has directed officials not to reduce the Full Tank Level (FTL) limits of Gangaram and Eerla lakes under any circumstances

Gangaram Lake spreads across 111 acres, while Eerla Lake covers about 32 acres.

He instructed authorities to integrate ecological restoration with public utility by developing parks, children’s play areas, seating facilities for all age groups, and planting tall shade-giving trees around the lakes as part of the rejuvenation plan.

Second phase to cover 14 lakes

The directions were issued during his field inspection of Gangaram Lake in Ramachandrapuram and Eerla Lake. Both water bodies are included in HYDRAA’s second phase of lake rejuvenation, under which 14 lakes across the city are slated for development.

Ranganath asked officials to accelerate works while ensuring that FTL boundaries remain intact and legally protected.

Stop direct sewage inflow

During the inspection, the Commissioner reviewed the causes of pollution and foul odour in the lakes. It was found that sewage was entering not only through stormwater drains but also directly from nearby residential areas.

He directed officials to take immediate measures to prevent untreated sewage from flowing into the lakes under any circumstances.

Only treated water to enter lakes

Ranganath instructed that all sewage drains be connected to Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and that only treated water be allowed into the lakes. He also stressed the construction of sedimentation ponds wherever required to prevent silt accumulation and contamination.

Adequate land must be earmarked for establishing STPs and sedimentation facilities to ensure long-term sustainability of the restoration works, he added.

HYDRAA Additional Director Varlapapayya and other senior officials accompanied the Commissioner during the inspection.