Hyderabad: Preserving water resources, vital for all life forms, and protecting biodiversity remains our key priority, HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath said during a national conference on ‘Urban Biodiversity’ organised by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) on Saturday.
The commissioner highlighted HYDRAA’s focus on conserving and restoring urban lakes, ensuring they remain sources of clean water while enhancing the surrounding environment with plantation drives. Such efforts aim to create conducive habitats for biodiversity.
HYDRAA has also been actively working to safeguard public spaces, including lakes, parks, roads, and drainage channels, from encroachments. “We are committed to taking strict action against encroachments, irrespective of the perpetrators’ social or political status,” said Ranganath, citing a recent case where HYDRAA prevented the illegal acquisition of an acre of govt land near Lotus Pond in Jubilee Hills.
Ranganath noted increased public awareness about lake boundaries, buffer zones, and govt lands. People are now more cautious about verifying whether their properties fall within lake zones or protected areas. This change is attributed to HYDRAA’s enforcement efforts and court directives mandating the demolition of unauthorised constructions in such zones.
With over 61% of Hyderabad’s lakes already encroached upon, Ranganath warned that without immediate action, the remaining 39% could disappear within 15 years. HYDRAA is working with multiple agencies, including the Survey of India, Telangana Survey Department, and GHMC, to document lake boundaries, buffer zones, and other public spaces.
To strengthen enforcement, HYDRAA is setting up a dedicated police station to address complaints.
