Hyderabad lakes shrink by 61% from 1979 to 2024: NRSC

Hyderabad: A recent presentation by Prakash Chauhan, director of the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), highlighted a concerning trend: between 1979 and 2024, the extent of lakes in Hyderabad has reduced by 61 per cent.

The data underscored the urgency of HYDRAA’s mission to protect and restore critical water bodies in and around Hyderabad.

Apart from curbing encroachments and restoring lake areas, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has placed a strong emphasis on the protection and development of municipal parks.

HYDRAA, established on July 19, is spearheading an extensive campaign to eliminate encroachments, particularly those threatening Hyderabad’s lakes and green spaces.

52 unlawfully constructed structures demolished

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath confirmed that the agency had recently conducted a significant operation to demolish 52 unlawfully constructed structures in the Full Tank Level (FTL) of Devender Nagar here.

The operation carried out on August 6, is part of HYDRA’s broader initiative to reclaim encroached lands and restore Hyderabad’s water bodies to their original state.

“In coordination with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and other relevant departments, we demolished illegal constructions to prevent further encroachments. Our efforts will continue until all unauthorised structures are removed,” said Ranganath.

Renewed focus on parks

HYDRAA’s efforts are not limited to demolition alone.

The agency is also prioritising the development and protection of municipal parks, recognising their importance in maintaining the ecological balance of the city. Ranganath emphasised that parks are crucial assets that need to be preserved for the benefit of the public.

“Municipal parks are a priority for HYDRAA. We are working closely with the GHMC to ensure these green spaces are protected from encroachments and developed in a sustainable manner,” Ranganath stated.

A three-phase approach to reducing encroachments

Encroachments on lakes and government lands have been a persistent issue in Hyderabad, with many ponds in the city being 60 to 80 per cent occupied by illegal structures.

HYDRAA is taking a phased approach to address these encroachments; the first phase involves stopping further invasions, while the second phase focuses on denying permissions for illegal buildings and taking action against those already constructed. The third phase will see efforts to remove silt from ponds, divert rainwater, and restore the natural state of these water bodies.

“We are taking steps to ensure that there are no future encroachments in Hyderabad. The government is also providing special teams to support HYDRAA in these efforts,” Ranganath noted.

Special police station and funding

To bolster its operations, HYDRAA is set to establish a dedicated police station in Hyderabad, which will focus on cracking down on land grabbing, encroachment of government lands and traffic-related violations.

The specialised unit will include officials from the revenue, fire, registration, irrigation, police, and forest departments. Commissioner Ranganath emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “The separate police station will help us take swift and decisive action against violators, ensuring that illegal activities are curbed effectively.”

Additionally, the Telangana government has allocated Rs 200 crores to HYDRA to support its mission of disaster management and asset protection. These funds will be crucial in enhancing the agency’s capabilities and ensuring the successful execution of its projects across the Telangana Core Urban Region (TCUR).

Alarming data on Hyderabad’s lakes

Reacting to the reduction of the area containing lakes, Ranganath remarked: “The reduction in the area of lakes is an alarming situation. It is crucial that we act swiftly to address this issue and prevent further degradation.”

In addition to reclaiming encroached lands, HYDRAA is working to restore the city’s chain ponds and canals that have been buried over time. The agency’s ultimate goal is to revive Hyderabad’s lakes and green spaces, ensuring they remain a vital part of the city’s landscape for future generations.