The Government was committed towards preservation of water bodies and lakes in and around the twin cities and has put in place a three pronged action plan, said IT and Municipal Administration Minister K.T. Rama Rao on Monday.
First step would be to halt sewage from flowing into the lakes, removing encroachments and developing mini-tank bunds around them. “We have already put fencing around several lakes with the GHMC and HMDA currently undertaking a comprehensive survey of water bodies,” he said.
The Minister was addressing a gathering after his sudden visit to Ibrahimpur lake in Nekannapur (Rajendranagar) where he assured of steps to protect the water body from pollution and encroachments besides initiating a beautification programme.
Government inaction
Like rest of Telangana, the capital too had several water bodies serving drinking water and irrigation needs and were linked to each other but most of them have been encroached upon over the years even as the then governments did not act on time, he rued.
Mr. Rao pulled up the gram panchayat secretary for allowing sewage to spill into the lake and wondered how he had allowed eight buildings without waste disposal when the rules and regulations clearly indicated that mini-sewerage treatment plants should be set up in upcoming townships.
The revenue divisional officer concerned was asked to probe into the matter and suspend the secretary if necessary. A survey should also be taken up to identify the encroachments on the water body and remove them. While stating that sufficient funds would be given to the gram panchayats for preservation of water bodies, he also requested the local people to participate actively in the work.
Member of Parliament Viveshwar Reddy was urged to adopt the lake and in association with the MLA Prakash Goud, it was decided to form a joint working group with local officials and people for taking measures to protect the water body.
