Patnam Mahender Reddy’s son owns 13 acres in Himayat Sagar FTL: Survey
The prohibited area has witnessed the construction of compound walls road laying and buildings
By Newsmeter Network Published on 29 Aug 2024 12:21 PM GMT
Hyderabad: A digital survey conducted at Kotwalguda village in Shamshabad mandal, Ranga Reddy district, has uncovered that 13 acres of prohibited land allegedly registered in the name of P Rinesh Reddy, son of Congress MLC P Mahender Reddy.
The survey revealed significant unauthorised developments within the prohibited zones, including the Full Tank Level (FTL) of the Himayatsagar drinking water reservoir and Survey No 14 of Kotwalguda village, Shamshabad mandal. The prohibited area has witnessed the construction of compound walls, road laying and buildings.
In a detailed explanation, lake protection activist Dr Lubna Sarwath shared key findings from the survey.
“We have enclosed extracts from NRSC Satellite imagery of HR 1M for the years 2023, 2021-23, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2012-2016, overlaid with the cadastral layer,” Dr Sarwath stated. “Additionally, extracts of satellite images from Google Earth for the years 2024 and 2020 have been provided.”
Dr Sarwath also noted discrepancies in the HMDA Master Plan 2031, highlighting that survey numbers 8 and 16 have been repeated. “This needs rectification to prevent criminal encroachers from exploiting the error,” she added.
The survey further revealed that survey numbers 14A and 14AA in Kotwalguda village are assigned lands. While one acre is registered under the name of G Kanthamma, wife of Ramble, the remaining 13 acres are in the name of P Rinesh Reddy, son of P Mahender Reddy.
Dr Sarwath expressed concern over the government’s response to repeated requests to remove encroachments from the FTL and buffer zone areas of the twin reservoirs.
“Instead of addressing the encroachments, the previous government prioritised the release of precious drinking water during flood years 2020 and 2021, and even with minimal rain in the catchment areas of Himayatsagar and Osmansagar reservoirs. It’s clear that the needs of the people were neglected in favour of the interests of certain public representatives,” she said.
Dr Sarwath urged authorities to act swiftly.
“We request immediate instructions for the removal of constructions in the FTL area and prohibited buffer zone. The Master Plan must be rectified, and the assigned lands in the prohibited zone must be reclaimed.”
