Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HYDRAA) has pledged to intensify efforts to restore urban lakes and nalas while addressing encroachments, particularly by commercial establishments.
Speaking at a brainstorming session on fixing Full Tank Levels (FTL), HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath said, “Our primary focus is on removing illegal commercial encroachments from nalas and lakes. Existing residential structures will not be disturbed, but no new unauthorised constructions will be tolerated.”
Ranganath clarified HYDRAA’s intent, stating, “We are not here to demolish everything within the FTL boundaries. Our goal is to conserve these tanks and ensure no new structures emerge within the tank areas. This involves incorporating water area data, Survey of India maps, and village records to establish clear boundaries. An expert committee will be formed to consolidate inputs from all relevant departments and finalize these limits.”
To address ambiguities in FTL levels, especially in cases of shrinking or expanding water bodies, the commissioner announced that on-ground surveys would be conducted.
“In areas where there’s confusion, technical committees will re-evaluate the FTL limits,” Ranganath said. He also revealed plans to adopt technology for real-time alerts against illegal construction activities in these areas.
Citing the example of Ameenpur lake, Ranganath pointed out how the closure of its tank resulted in submerged layouts, exacerbating urban flooding. “This highlights the urgency of establishing clear FTL limits. Without clarity, such cases will continue to repeat,” he said.
The session also delved into historical issues. Experts noted that during the Nizam era, govt-owned shikam lands were converted into patta lands, complicating current land-use planning. Ranganath provided an update on Bathukamma kunta, where restoration efforts are underway despite legal hurdles. “Some individuals obtained a status quo order from the court. We have filed a counter and are confident of vacating the order to proceed with restoration work,” he shared.
Experts at the session noted that unchecked urbanisation, including road and infrastructure development, has significantly degraded Hyderabad’s water bodies. Ameenpur lake, once a thriving wetland habitat, no longer attracts birds, highlighting the ecological fallout.
Speaking at a brainstorming session on fixing Full Tank Levels (FTL), HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath said, “Our primary focus is on removing illegal commercial encroachments from nalas and lakes. Existing residential structures will not be disturbed, but no new unauthorised constructions will be tolerated.”
Ranganath clarified HYDRAA’s intent, stating, “We are not here to demolish everything within the FTL boundaries. Our goal is to conserve these tanks and ensure no new structures emerge within the tank areas. This involves incorporating water area data, Survey of India maps, and village records to establish clear boundaries. An expert committee will be formed to consolidate inputs from all relevant departments and finalize these limits.”
To address ambiguities in FTL levels, especially in cases of shrinking or expanding water bodies, the commissioner announced that on-ground surveys would be conducted.
“In areas where there’s confusion, technical committees will re-evaluate the FTL limits,” Ranganath said. He also revealed plans to adopt technology for real-time alerts against illegal construction activities in these areas.
Citing the example of Ameenpur lake, Ranganath pointed out how the closure of its tank resulted in submerged layouts, exacerbating urban flooding. “This highlights the urgency of establishing clear FTL limits. Without clarity, such cases will continue to repeat,” he said.
The session also delved into historical issues. Experts noted that during the Nizam era, govt-owned shikam lands were converted into patta lands, complicating current land-use planning. Ranganath provided an update on Bathukamma kunta, where restoration efforts are underway despite legal hurdles. “Some individuals obtained a status quo order from the court. We have filed a counter and are confident of vacating the order to proceed with restoration work,” he shared.
Experts at the session noted that unchecked urbanisation, including road and infrastructure development, has significantly degraded Hyderabad’s water bodies. Ameenpur lake, once a thriving wetland habitat, no longer attracts birds, highlighting the ecological fallout.
