Hyderabad: Following complaints received via Prajavani, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) conducted field inspections and cleared encroachments across the city on Wednesday. The team first inspected Banjara Lake near Road No. 1 in Banjara Hills, following complaints from MLA Danam Nagender and residents. The lake, which is located opposite the Taj Banjara Hotel, was found to be heavily polluted and encroached upon. During the visit, the team led by HYDRAA commissioner A V Ranganath observed untreated sewage entering the lake, while a significant portion of it was covered in plastic waste.Ranganath said, “The lake, which was once a clean water source, had now become one of the most polluted in the city. There are also various constructions within the Full Tank Level (FTL) area, as well as indiscriminate waste dumping, which threaten its very existence.”He also took serious note of complaints that access to the Kattamaisamma temple was blocked by encroachments.“We will conduct a detailed inquiry and take the necessary action. The govt land around the lake will be protected and a comprehensive restoration plan will be prepared,” said Ranganath, assuring residents that their homes would not be affected. Later in the day, the team visited Mamidipalli in Shamshabad mandal, where locals reported the disappearance of several lakes, including Ongoni Kunta, Kanakayya Kunta, Marrivanikunta, and Errakunta. Ranganath directed irrigation and revenue officials to collect complete data on the lakes and their associated stormwater channels, noting that blockages in these channels had been causing flooding in nearby residential areas.In a separate action, the HYDRAA team removed an encroachment in New Bhoiguda, Bansilalpet, Secunderabad, restoring a 20-foot-wide road that had been partially obstructed by an illegal construction. Acting on complaints, officials demolished an under-construction building that had encroached nearly half of the road. “This structure included a proposed shop on the ground floor and a residence above. It had severely restricted vehicular movement,” he added.
